The simulations are consistent with empirical data and
clearly demonstrate the added biomass that can be attained with
intensified forest management (Fig. 1a). In this example,
cumulative biomass in the low intensity system (65 Mg C ha1
)
is only half that attained in the intensive system
(130 Mg C ha1
) within a 25-year rotation. These same rates
of biomass accumulation repeat for each rotation in the
simulation. Despite the more rapid accumulation in the
intensively managed stand neither stand actually sequesters
C in aboveground biomass in the long-term since both systems
are repeatedly clearcut. As such C emissions from silviculture
will not be recovered simply through increased aboveground
biomass accumulation.