Carbon balance calculations for forest industries - a review

Authors: J.B. Ford-Robertson
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1997, Issue N.Z.J.For. 42(1) 1997, pp 32-36, May 1997
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Managed afforestation has been proposed as a method of reducing net carbon dioxide emissions. In light of this proposal, the article reviews the issues of carbon emissions and sequestration, and how these relate to afforestation. A number of different factors are considered, including carbon sequestration in forests, forest soils and forest products, avoidance of carbon emissions from fossil fuels through product substitution and the use of biomass for energy. A model is developed to identify important elements in the carbon balance of the plantation forest industry in New Zealand. The results show that carbon sequestration in forest biomass is a major contributor to the net carbon balance in New Zealand compared with carbon sequestration in forest products.

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