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Assessing productivity and carbon sequestration capacity of subtropical coniferous plantations using the process model PnET-CN

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Abstract

A generalized, lumped-parameter ecological model PnET-CN was calibrated and validated for a subtropical coniferous plantation in southern China. PnET-CN model describes the biogeochemical cycles of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) and can assist in estimating carbon sequestration potential. For validation of PnET-CN, data from coniferous forest plantations in southern China was used. Simulated daily gross primary productivity (GPP) from 2005 to 2007 agreed well with observations (R2=0.56, S.D.=0.009). Simulations of monthly soil respiration (R s ) from 2005–2007 agreed well with R s observations (R2=0.67, S.D. =0.03). Simulated annual net primary productivity (NPP) from 1998–2006 was 803±33 gCm−2a−1, about 4% higher than NPP observation (752±51 gCm−2a−1). Simulations of annual NEP from 2005–2007 only overestimate 9 gCm−2a−1 (4%), 4 gCm−2a−1 (1%) and 34 gCm−2a−1 (8%) compared to NEP observations, respectively. Simulated annual foliar N concentration (FolNCon) (1.09%) is 10% lower than observed monthly FolNCon (0.87%–1.58%). Simulated annual N leaching (0.26 gNm−2) is about 10% lower than leaching observation (0.29 gNm−2). PnET-CN model validation indicates that PnET-CN is capable to simulate daily GPP, annual NPP, annual NEP, monthly R s , annual FolNCon and annual nitrate N leaching for subtropical coniferous plantations in southern China. The results obtained from the validation test revealed that PnET-CN model can be used to simulate carbon sequestration of planted coniferous forests in southern China to a high level of precision. Sensitivity analysis suggests that great care should be taken in develo** generalizations as to how forests will respond to a changing climate. PnET-CN performed satisfactorily in comparison to other models that have already been calibrated and validated in coniferous planted subtropical forests in China. Based on PnET-CN validation and its comparison to other models, future improvement of PnET-CN should focus on seasonal foliar N dynamics and the effects of water stress on autotrophic respirations in subtropical coniferous plantations in southern China.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling (KLENOM), Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS, Bei**g, 100101, China

    Yuan Yan, Shaoqiang Wang, Yidong Wang, Weixing Wu & **gyuan Wang

  2. Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Bei**g, 100039, China

    Yuan Yan, Yidong Wang & Weixing Wu

  3. School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada

    Bin Chen

  4. Qianyanzhou Ecological Experimental Station, KLENOM, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS, Bei**g, 100101, China

    Yidong Wang & Fengting Yang

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  1. Yuan Yan
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  7. Fengting Yang
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Correspondence to Shaoqiang Wang.

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Foundation: National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.31070438; The Key Project of CAS Knowledge Innovation Program, No.KZCX2-YW-305-3; No.KZCX2-YW-QN301; State Key Basic Research Development Project, No.2010CB833503

Author: Yan Yuan (1984–), MA Candidate, specialized in ecological modeling.

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Yan, Y., Wang, S., Wang, Y. et al. Assessing productivity and carbon sequestration capacity of subtropical coniferous plantations using the process model PnET-CN. J. Geogr. Sci. 21, 458–474 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11442-011-0857-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11442-011-0857-2

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