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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
09:16
Methods of Soil Resampling to Monitor Changes in the Chemical Concentrations of Forest Soils
Published on: November 25, 2016
Historical forest baselines reveal potential for continued carbon sequestration.
Jeanine M Rhemtulla1, David J Mladenoff, Murray K Clayton
1Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada. jeanine.rhemtulla@mcgill.ca
Summary
Forest carbon in Wisconsin has significantly declined and shifted spatially due to land-use changes like logging and agriculture. Forest recovery offers potential for future carbon sequestration.
Area of Science:
- Forestry
- Ecology
- Climate Change Science
Background:
- Land-use change, particularly forest clearing, accounts for a significant portion of historical net CO2 emissions.
- Quantifying historical land-use impacts on carbon stocks is challenging due to limited data on past ecosystems and land-use patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reconstruct pre-settlement forest carbon stocks in Wisconsin.
- To analyze carbon changes following logging and agricultural conversion.
- To assess the potential for future carbon sequestration through forest recovery.
Main Methods:
- Utilized fine-resolution historical survey records to reconstruct forest carbon dynamics.
- Compared historical above-ground live forest carbon (AGC) levels with current estimates.
- Modeled potential future carbon sequestration from existing forests and reforestation.
Main Results:
- Total above-ground live forest carbon (AGC) in Wisconsin decreased from 434 TgC pre-settlement to 120 TgC in the 1930s, recovering to approximately 276 TgC.
- Significant spatial shifts in AGC occurred, with southern savannas now storing more carbon due to fire suppression, while northern forests remain depleted.
- Continued sequestration in existing forests could add 69 TgC, with reforestation of agricultural lands potentially contributing an additional 150 TgC.
Conclusions:
- Restoring historical carbon stocks requires reevaluating land-use strategies.
- Forest recovery and strategic reforestation present significant opportunities for carbon sequestration.
- Balancing ecosystem services and carbon goals is crucial for landscape management.
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