Carbon allocation dynamics across three different-aged Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco plantations

In order to understand the effects of stand age on carbon allocation of Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco forest ecosystems, carbon pools of the main ecosystem components in three different-aged stands were examined. Results suggest that component biomass should be estimated by age-specific allometric equations. The carbon stock of the total ecosystem and above-ground tree biomass, roots, understory, forest floor and mineral soil increased with stand age. The contribution of above-ground tree biomass, roots, and forest floor carbon increased from 8%, 2%, and 4% of the total ecosystem carbon pool in the 12-year-old stand, respectively, to 21%, 6%, and 10% in the 51-year-old stand, respectively. In contrast, the contribution of mineral soil carbon decreased from 84% of the total ecosystem carbon pool in the 12-year-old stand to 60% in the 51-year-old stand. Understory carbon contributed little to the total ecosystem carbon pool regardless of stand age.