Comparing the Canterbury/West Coast look-up table to measured yields from the Field Measurement Approach in Canterbury hill country for Pinus radiata

Authors: Dominic Cleary, David Evison and Bruce Manley
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2024, Issue N.Z.J.For. 69(1) 2024, pp Pages 3 - 10, May 2024
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Selected Pinus radiata (D. Don) stands located in the Canterbury hill country were measured using the Field Measurement Approach (FMA) to create a representative carbon yield table to compare with the Canterbury/West Coast look-up table. A total of 149 plots were measured across 785 ha of forest. Financial returns (per hectare) from participation in the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) were compared when using the representative yield table based on FMA measurements and the Canterbury/West Coast look-up table. The breakeven point in terms of carbon price and forest area, where forest owners would be better off in the FMA, was identified. There is a wide range of values for carbon yield in the stands measured, and for most of the stands studied the yields provided by the look-up table are significantly lower than the measured yields. Carbon yield in the measured stands was found to be strongly correlated with site quality and silviculture (indicated by final crop stocking). The results show that the Canterbury/West Coast look-up table estimates a significantly lower yield than the average yield estimated for the selected Canterbury hill country stands using the FMA. If this result is typical for Canterbury hill country forests, forest owners with less than 100 ha who are participating in the NZ ETS will not receive the true value of the carbon sequestered by these forests. If a more accurate look-up table cannot be provided, owners should consider planting 100 ha or more so that they are eligible to use the FMA.

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