Forest biomass carbon pool dynamics in Tibet Autonomous Region of China: Inventory data 1999-2019

According to the forest resources inventory data for different periods and the latest estimation parameters of forest carbon reserves in China, the carbon reserves and carbon density of forest biomass in the Tibet Autonomous Region from 1999 to 2019 were estimated using the IPCC international carbon reserves estimation model. The results showed that, during the past 20 years, the forest area, forest stock, and biomass carbon storage in Tibet have been steadily increasing, with an average annual increase of 1.85×104 hm2, 0.033×107 m3, and 0.22×107 t, respectively. Influenced by geographical conditions and the natural environment, the forest area and biomass carbon storage gradually increased from the northwest to the southeast, particularly in Linzhi and Changdu, where there are many primitive forests, which serve as important carbon sinks in Tibet. In terms of the composition of tree species, coniferous forests are dominant in Tibet, particularly those containing Abies fabri, Picea asperata, and Pinus densata, which comprise approximately 45% of the total forest area in Tibet. The ecological location of Tibet has resulted in the area being dominated by shelter forest, comprising 68.76% of the total area, 64.72% of the total forest stock, and 66.34% of the total biomass carbon reserves. The biomass carbon storage was observed to first increase and then decrease with increasing forest age, which is primarily caused by tree growth characteristics. In over-mature forests, trees' photosynthesis decreases along with their accumulation of organic matter, and the trees can die. In addition, this study also observed that the proportion of mature and over-mature forest in Tibet is excessively large, which is not conducive to the sustainable development of forestry in the region. This problem should be addressed in future management and utilization activities.