Carbon stock |
The total carbon stock in UK forests has increased from 1990 to 2005 and is projected to continue to increase to 2010. The carbon in forest soils (depth up to 1 metre) accounts for most (around 80%) of total forest carbon. Most of the increase in soil carbon is existing soil carbon in areas afforested between these dates, not additional carbon sequestered.
| million tonnes of carbon | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 2000 | 2005 | 2010 | |
| Carbon in above-ground biomass | 106 | 104 | 111 | 117 |
| Carbon in below-ground biomass | 14 | 15 | 17 | 19 |
| Carbon in dead wood | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Carbon in litter | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| Soil carbon | 656 | 702 | 718 | 730 |
| Total forest carbon | 803 | 848 | 873 | 893 |
Sources
Growing stock (indicator 1.2) and conversion factors, National Inventory of Woodland & Trees, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (LULUCF and related modelling)
Notes
1. Excludes carbon stock on other wooded land (3 million tonnes soil carbon and 0 million tonnes other carbon), which is also reported in the MCPFE indicator.
2. The standard factors used to estimate carbon in below-ground biomass are now believed to be too low. A review of recent studies has indicated that the totals could be around twice the level shown.
MCPFE Indicator
1.4: Carbon stock on forest and other wooded land