Changes in carbon stock following soil scarification of non-wooded stands in Hokkaido, northern Japan

摘要: To restore non-wooded stands dominated by dwarf bamboo species (Sasa kurilensis or S. senanensis) into forests, mechanical soil scarification has been applied in northern Japan since the 1960s. The treatment is followed both natural regeneration and artificial planting. In this study, we quantified total carbon stock (plants plus 0.3 m depth of soil) these over 35-year age-sequences. were gradually Betula ermanii. increased linearly to 215.1 ± 35.2 Mg C ha−1 for a 37-year-old stand formerly kurilensis, 181.1 29.8 34-year-old senanensis. latter was similar that Picea glehnii plantation, senanensis, with comparable age (160.3 6.7 35-year-old stands). Although plants quickly offset untreated level, remained depressed even older stands. This resulted small differences We conclude following could be prime option sink management region. However, should take long rotation period (i.e., >50 years) ensure state. A potential further improvements practice, including reduce intensity disturbance, presented.