Biomass and Carbon Allocation in Tree Components of Beech-Chestnut Mixed Forests in Coastal Western Black Sea Region

Aim of study: Estimating C storage using biomass data is a widely used method for forest ecosystems. In most studies, the content of biomass is calculated by destructive methods such as cutting and sampling of trees on sampling plots. However, tree biomass can be estimated using diameter and height data without disturbing the site. The aim of this study is to determine the content of above-and below-ground biomass and their carbon (C) stocks in an eastern beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) and Anatolian chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) mixed forest. Area of study: The study area is in Düzce province located at coastal region of Western Black Sea, Türkiye. Material and method: Beech and chestnut trees were fallen, all compartments weighed separately, and the total above-and below-ground biomass of the trees were calculated, then biomass of trees multiplied by the number of trees per hectare and the average biomass of all diameter classes on a hectare basis were estimated. The total C content in the biomass were calculated as Mg ha-1 on hectare basis by using the biomass values, the C values obtained from the tree components and the number of trees per hectare. Main results: The data analysis revealed that there was a positive linear correlation between diameter at breast height (DBH) and biomass of both beech and chestnut tree components (root, stem, branch, and leaves). The same relation was also found between DBH and C stocks of trees’ components. This forest ecosystem store about 169 Mg C ha-1 on tree layer and beech species account for 3/4 of this content. In addition, 1/5 of the total C stock of trees is allocated below-ground. Research highlights: The results of the study, especially the comprehensive and detailed equations for biomass and C content, are not only valid for the areas where the study was conducted but also applicable to similar ecosystems.