Survival, growth and carbon content in a forest plantation established after a clear-cutting in Durango, Mexico

Abstract

Background. Forest plantations play an important role in carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate climate change. In this study, survival, biomass, growth rings and annual carbon content storage were evaluated in a mixed Pinus durangensis and P. cooperi plantation that was established after a clear-cutting. The plantation is eight years old and covers an area of 21.40 ha. Methods. Sixteen sites of 100 m2 were distributed randomly. At each site, two trees distributed proportionally to the diametric categories were destructively sampled (one per tree species). Two cross-sections were cut from each tree: The first at the base of the stump and the second at 1.30 m. The width of tree rings of the first cross-section was measured using a stereoscopic microscope with precision in microns (mm). The year-by-year basal diameter of each tree was recorded and biomass and carbon content was estimated using allometric equations. Results. The estimated survival was 75.2%. The results of the ANOVA showed significant differences between the year-by-year width records of tree rings, the highest value corresponding to the fifth year. The average carbon sequestration per year is 0.30 kg for both studied tree species. Conclusions. P. durangensis and P. cooperi plantations adapt and develop well in Durango forests when they are established in areas that are subjected to clear-cutting.