Assessing productivity and carbon sequestration capacity of subtropical coniferous plantations using the process model PnET-CN

YAN Yuan, WANG Shaoqiang, WANG Yidong, WU Weixing, WANG Jingyuan, CHEN Bin, YANG Fengting

doi:10.1007/s11442-011-0857-2

2011 , Vol. 21 >Issue 3: 458 - 474

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11442-011-0857-2

Ecology

Assessing productivity and carbon sequestration capacity of subtropical coniferous plantations using the process model PnET-CN

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1. Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling (KLENOM), Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS, Beijing 100101, China;
2. Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China;
3. School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada;
4. Qianyanzhou Ecological Experimental Station, KLENOM, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS, Beijing 100101, China

Received date: 2010-05-07

Revised date: 2010-11-20

Online published: 2011-06-15

Supported by

National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.31070438; The Key Project of CAS Knowledge Innovation Program, No.KZCX2-YW-305-3; No.KZCX2-YW-QN301; State Key Basic Research Development Project, No.2010CB833503

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Abstract

A generalized, lumped-parameter ecological model PnET-CN was calibrated and validated for a subtropical coniferous plantation in southern China. PnET-CN model describes the biogeochemical cycles of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) and can assist in estimating carbon sequestration potential. For validation of PnET-CN, data from coniferous forest plantations in southern China was used. Simulated daily gross primary productivity (GPP) from 2005 to 2007 agreed well with observations (R²=0.56, S.D.=0.009). Simulations of monthly soil respiration (R_s) from 2005–2007 agreed well with R_s observations (R²=0.67, S.D. =0.03). Simulated annual net primary productivity (NPP) from 1998–2006 was 803±33 gCm^-2a^-1, about 4% higher than NPP observation (752±51 gCm^-2a^-1). Simulations of annual NEP from 2005^-2007 only overestimate 9 gCm^-2a^-1 (4%), 4 gCm^-2a^-1 (1%) and 34 gCm^-2a^-1 (8%) compared to NEP observations, respectively. Simulated annual foliar N concentration (FolNCon) (1.09%) is 10% lower than observed monthly FolNCon (0.87%–1.58%). Simulated annual N leaching (0.26 gNm^-2) is about 10% lower than leaching observation (0.29 gNm^-2). PnET-CN model validation indicates that PnET-CN is capable to simulate daily GPP, annual NPP, annual NEP, monthly R_s, annual FolNCon and annual nitrate N leaching for subtropical coniferous plantations in southern China. The results obtained from the validation test revealed that PnET-CN model can be used to simulate carbon sequestration of planted coniferous forests in southern China to a high level of precision. Sensitivity analysis suggests that great care should be taken in developing generalizations as to how forests will respond to a changing climate. PnET-CN performed satisfactorily in comparison to other models that have already been calibrated and validated in coniferous planted subtropical forests in China. Based on PnET-CN validation and its comparison to other models, future improvement of PnET-CN should focus on seasonal foliar N dynamics and the effects of water stress on autotrophic respirations in subtropical coniferous plantations in southern China.

Key words： coniferous plantations; PnET-CN Model; validation; foliar N concentration; C sequestration

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YAN Yuan, WANG Shaoqiang, WANG Yidong, WU Weixing, WANG Jingyuan, CHEN Bin, YANG Fengting . Assessing productivity and carbon sequestration capacity of subtropical coniferous plantations using the process model PnET-CN[J]. Journal of Geographical Sciences, 2011 , 21(3) : 458 -474 . DOI: 10.1007/s11442-011-0857-2

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