A Decrease in Carbon Absorption Potential Due to Timber Harvesting in Natural Forest

Abstract

Timber harvesting is an activity in producing wood to supply the lumber industry. However, timber harvesting brought consequences such as decreasing carbon sequestration potential of natural forests. This study aimed to determine the reduction in the potential for carbon sequestration due to timber harvesting in natural forests. Data were collected using non-destructive methods through stand inventory before felling for all tree species, cruising results report, and tree distribution maps. Biomass was calculated using the existing allometric, and carbon stocks were calculated using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change method. The results showed that there were 238 trees (65.29 m³) of stands in the study area (6 ha) based on stand inventory before felling. Potential biomass and carbon storage before trees felling were 16.12 ton ha^-1 and 7.58 ton ha^-1, respectively. Potential biomass and carbon storage after tree felling were 5.15 ton ha^-1 and 2.42 ton ha^-1, respectively. Carbon absorption before and after tree felling is 28.37 ton CO_2eq ha^-1 and 4.44 ton CO_2eq ha^-1, respectively. Carbon emissions during tree felling was 18.93 ton CO_2eq ha^-1 (81.00%). The application of environmentally friendly wood harvesting shall be carried out appropriately to minimize a decrease in carbon absorption from timber harvesting. 

Keywords: biomass, carbon emission, timber harvesting