Wood pellets,what else? Greenhouse gas parity times of European electricity from wood pellets produced in the south‐eastern United States using different softwood feedstocks

Several EU countries import wood pellets from the south‐eastern United States. The imported wood pellets are (co‐)fired in power plants with the aim of reducing overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from electricity and meeting EU renewable energy targets. To assess whether GHG emissions are reduced and on what timescale, we construct the GHG balance of wood‐pellet electricity. This GHG balance consists of supply chain and combustion GHG emissions, carbon sequestration during biomass growth and avoided GHG emissions through replacing fossil electricity. We investigate wood pellets from four softwood feedstock types: small roundwood, commercial thinnings, harvest residues and mill residues. Per feedstock, the GHG balance of wood‐pellet electricity is compared against those of alternative scenarios. Alternative scenarios are combinations of alternative fates of the feedstock materials, such as in‐forest decomposition, or the production of paper or wood panels like oriented strand board (OSB). Alternative scenario composition depends on feedstock type and local demand for this feedstock. Results indicate that the GHG balance of wood‐pellet electricity equals that of alternative scenarios within 0–21 years (the GHG parity time), after which wood‐pellet electricity has sustained climate benefits. Parity times increase by a maximum of 12 years when varying key variables (emissions associated with paper and panels, soil carbon increase via feedstock decomposition, wood‐pellet electricity supply chain emissions) within maximum plausible ranges. Using commercial thinnings, harvest residues or mill residues as feedstock leads to the shortest GHG parity times (0–6 years) and fastest GHG benefits from wood‐pellet electricity. We find shorter GHG parity times than previous studies, for we use a novel approach that differentiates feedstocks and considers alternative scenarios based on (combinations of) alternative feedstock fates, rather than on alternative land uses. This novel approach is relevant for bioenergy derived from low‐value feedstocks.     

森林景观生态研究现状与展望

综述了国内外森林景观及其动态研究的4个领域：森林景观管理与景观质量控制、森林景观格局与功能相互关系、森林景观生态过程模拟模型和决策模型、河岸景观生态的研究。并进一步指出了我国在森林景观生态研究领域中存在的问题：森林景观的研究基础不足,研究手段、方法相对落后,研究案例和成果有限。同时,还提出了森林景观生态研究的发展方向。     

Is woody bioenergy carbon neutral? A comparative assessment of emissions from consumption of woody bioenergy and fossil fuel

Under the current accounting systems, emissions produced when biomass is burnt for energy are accounted as zero, resulting in what is referred to as the ‘carbon neutrality’ assumption. However, if current harvest levels are increased to produce more bioenergy, carbon that would have been stored in the biosphere might be instead released in the atmosphere. This study utilizes a comparative approach that considers emissions under alternative energy supply options. This approach shows that the emission benefits of bioenergy compared to use of fossil fuel are time‐dependent. It emerges that the assumption that bioenergy always results in zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to use of fossil fuels can be misleading, particularly in the context of short‐to‐medium term goals. While it is clear that all sources of woody bioenergy from sustainably managed forests will produce emission reductions in the long term, different woody biomass sources have various impacts in the short‐medium term. The study shows that the use of forest residues that are easily decomposable can produce GHG benefits compared to use of fossil fuels from the beginning of their use and that biomass from dedicated plantations established on marginal land can be carbon neutral from the beginning of its use. However, the risk of short‐to‐medium term negative impacts is high when additional fellings are extracted to produce bioenergy and the proportion of felled biomass used for bioenergy is low, or when land with high C stocks is converted to low productivity bioenergy plantations. The method used in the study provides an instrument to identify the time‐dependent pattern of emission reductions for alternative bioenergy sources. In this way, decision makers can evaluate which bioenergy options are most beneficial for meeting short‐term GHG emission reduction goals and which ones are more appropriate for medium to longer term objectives.     

基于GIS的森林景观定量分类

以金沟岭林场为例,利用电子林相图和森林资源二类调查资料基础,借助GIS软件MapInfo和数字化仪跟踪矢量化,并运用景观生态学原理和方法,选取分维数、分离度斑块密度、景观优势度和均匀度等指标,对林场的景观格局进行了分析;同时采用类平均聚类法,选取分维数、分离度、斑块平均面积、最大斑块面积4个景观类型特征指数作为聚类分析的聚类因子,进行定量地划分森林类型,合理地区划森林经营类型,为优化景观水平配置、制定生态采伐规程、编制森林经营方案提供理论基础。     

Corn stover feedstock trials to support predictive modeling

To be sustainable, feedstock harvest must neither degrade soil, water, or air resources nor negatively impact productivity or subsequent crop yields. Simulation modeling will help guide the development of sustainable feedstock production practices, but not without field validation. This paper introduces field research being conducted in six states to support Sun Grant Regional Partnership modeling. Our objectives are to (1) provide a fundamental understanding of limiting factor(s) affecting corn (Zea mays L.) stover harvest, (2) develop tools (e.g., equations, models, etc.) that account for those factors, and (3) create a multivariant analysis framework to combine models for all limiting factors. Sun Grant modelers will use this information to improve regional estimates of feedstock availability. A minimum data set, including soil organic carbon (SOC), total N, pH, bulk density (BD), and soil‐test phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) concentrations, is being collected. Stover yield for three treatments (0%, 50%, and 90% removal) and concentrations of N, P, and K in the harvested stover are being quantified to assess the impact of stover harvest on soil resources. Grain yield at a moisture content of 155 g kg^?1 averaged 9.71 Mg ha^?1, matching the 2008 national average. Stover dry matter harvest rates ranged from 0 to 7 Mg ha^?1. Harvesting stover increased N–P–K removal by an average of 42, 5, and 45 kg ha^?1 compared with harvesting only grain. Replacing those three nutrients would cost $53.68 ha^?1 based on 2009 fertilizer prices. This first‐year data and that collected in subsequent years is being used to develop a residue management tool that will ultimately link multiple feedstock supplies together in a landscape vision to help develop a comprehensive carbon management plan, quantify corn stover harvest effects on soil quality, and predict regional variability in feedstock supplies.     

小兴安岭7种典型林型林分生物量碳密度与固碳能力

森林生物碳储量作为森林生态系统碳库的重要组成部分, 在全球碳循环中发挥着重要作用。以小兴安岭7种典型林型为研究对象, 通过外业样地调查与室内实验分析相结合的方法, 从林分尺度对林分生物量与碳密度进行计量, 分析了林分生物碳储量的空间分配格局, 并对林分年固碳能力与碳汇潜力进行了探讨。结果表明: 小兴安岭不同林型从幼龄林到成熟林的乔木层碳密度增长速率为: 蒙古栎(Quercus mongolica)林>兴安落叶松(Larix gmelinii)林>云冷杉(Picea-Abies)林>樟子松(Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica)林>山杨(Populus davidiana)林>红松(Pinus koraiensis)林>白桦(Betula platyphylla)林。7种典型林型不同龄组(幼龄林、中龄林、近熟林和成熟林)林分生物量碳密度分别为: 红松林31.4、74.7、118.4和130.2 t·hm^-2; 兴安落叶松林28.9、44.3、74.2和113.3 t·hm^-2; 樟子松林22.8、52.0、71.1和92.6 t·hm^-2; 云冷杉林23.1、44.1、77.6和130.3 t·hm^-2; 白桦林18.8、35.3、66.6和88.5 t·hm^-2; 蒙古栎林25.0、20.0、47.5和68.9 t·hm^-2; 山杨林19.8、28.7、43.7和76.6 t·hm^-2。红松林、兴安落叶松林、樟子松林和蒙古栎林在幼龄林时林分年固碳量较高, 其他林型在成熟林时林分年固碳量较高。7种典型林型不同龄组的林分生物量碳密度均随林龄增长而增加, 但不同林型的碳汇功能存在差异, 同一林型不同林龄的生物量碳密度增幅差异也较大。林分年固碳量在0.4-2.8 t·hm^-2之间, 碳汇能力较强、碳汇潜力较大。尤其是小兴安岭目前林分质量较差, 幼龄林和中龄林所占的比重较大, 具有较大的碳汇潜力。研究结果可为森林经营管理及碳汇功能评价提供参考。     

露水河林业局森林多目标经营规划设计

改变单一经营目标的传统森林经营方式,进行森林多目标经营,综合发挥森林的生态、社会与经济功能是我国林业发展的一个新阶段。如何从一个生产单位的角度出发,统筹森林利用和保护相关的社会、经济及环境等各方面,进行多目标规划和决策,是林业研究和实践中的重要命题。以长白山区露水河林业局为例,探讨了森林多目标经营的必要性,设计了森林多目标经营的规划设计体系,从群落生境分析、发展类型设计、林分作业设计以及生命周期经营计划设计等方面对露水河林业局森林多目标经营进行了规划设计,以期为我国开展森林多目标经营提供借鉴和手段支撑。     

番禺市生态公益林林分改造与立法管理研究

针对番禺市森林资源偏少,林分质量欠佳的情况,近１０年来,对和天府以僧林林分改造和城市林业建设和管理进行不断的实践和探索。从番禺市生态公益林的基本情况和分布入手,总结了进行林改造的主要技术措施和行之有效的立法管理办法。     

Effect of Change of Forest Carbon Storage on Net Carbon Dioxide Balance of Wood Use for Energy in Japan

This study analyzed the net carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission reductions between 2005 and 2050 by using wood for energy under various scenarios of forest management and energy conversion technology in Japan, considering both CO₂ emission reductions from replacement of fossil fuels and changes in carbon storage in forests. According to our model, wood production for energy results in a significant reduction of carbon storage levels in forests (by 46% to 77% in 2050 from the 2005 level). Thus, the net CO₂ emission reduction when wood is used for energy becomes drastically smaller. Conventional tree production for energy increases net CO₂ emissions relative to preserving forests, but fast‐growing tree production may reduce net CO₂ emissions more than preserving forests does. When wood from fast‐growing trees is used to generate electricity with gas turbines, displacing natural gas, the net CO₂ emission reduction from the combination of fast‐growing trees and electricity generation with gas turbines is about 58% of the CO₂ emission reduction from electricity generation from gas turbines alone in 2050, and an energy conversion efficiency of around 20% or more is required to obtain net reductions over the entire period until 2050. When wood is used to produce bioethanol, displacing gasoline, net reductions are realized after 2030, provided that heat energy is recovered from residues from ethanol production. These results show the importance of considering the change in carbon storage when estimating the net CO₂ emission reduction effect of the wood use for energy.     

中国西南地区热带森林演替序列碳动态

热带森林的破坏是全球性问题,我国西双版纳森林覆盖率受砍伐、火烧和短期耕种丢荒后,面积不断减少,取而代之的是大面积的不同演替状态的次生林。次生林演替过程中的碳储量和碳平衡的变化目前还鲜有研究,为了进一步揭示我国西南地区热带森林演替对于碳蓄积的影响,并制定更科学的热带森林经营管理措施,以结构复杂、生物多样和生物量巨大的热带森林为研究对象,并利用3个热带次生林的样地的实测数据,探讨了不同演替状态的热带次生林的碳储量变化,以及森林的净碳蓄积,死亡碳损失和更新碳增长等碳动态规律,分析表明:(1)在森林的演替过程中,森林的胸径分布频度从近正态分布逐渐向小径级的偏态分布发展,也就是随着演替的进展,小径级林木所占的比例越来越高。(2)热带次生林在森林固碳方面发挥着不可忽略的作用。(3)小的干扰,会波及森林的碳动态;大的干扰,如火灾和砍伐,将导致森林的次生演替,对森林的碳动态产生不可逆转的改变。(4)干旱事件是影响凋落物的季节和年间动态的原因,也是短时间尺度上影响碳平衡的一个重要因子。(5)不论原生林还是次生林,大树在生态系统碳动态方面皆扮演着重要的角色,因此本研究推荐注重大树的研究。     

森林管理对东北次生林植被碳密度及其分配的影响

以东北东部山区4种管理梯度下相同演替年龄的森林群落为研究对象,包括天然次生林（WB）及在其冠下人工更新红松（Pinus koraiensis）的混交林（MA）,并对MA进行透光抚育形成的择伐红松林（SK）和对SK适时疏伐形成的疏伐红松林（KT）,其管理程度依次增强。采用样地清查结合异速生长方程法量化植被碳密度（VC）及其各组分碳密度;测定多样性、针阔比等群落特征和土壤氮、磷等养分特征,探究森林管理对植被碳密度的影响。结果表明：演替先锋优势种（PI）、演替后期优势种（LT）和林下植被层（UC）的碳密度在4种管理措施间存在显著差异,其中,LT由WB的9.39 t/hm²增加到KT的107.02 t/hm²。但是,伴生种的碳密度在4种管理措施间差异不显著,其碳密度波动范围为8.41—14.89 t/hm²。VC随森林管理强度显著提升,其波动范围为96.34—135.40 t/hm²,VC年平均增长量波动范围为1.50—2.11 t hm^-2 a^-1,且在管理措施间存在显著差异。PI、LT和UC占植被总碳密度的比例在4种管理措施间存在显著差异,其中PI的占比随着上述管理措施逐渐降低,而LT的占比显著升高（由WB的14.0%提升到KT的82.2%）;植被残体与活体生物量碳密度之比以及地下与地上的生物量碳密度之比在4种管理措施间均存在显著差异,其比值的波动范围依次分别为0.05—0.13和0.24—0.30。乔木层碳密度与树种多样性存在显著负相关,而林下植被层碳密度与树种多样性呈显著正相关。并且VC与土壤氮储量、磷储量无显著相关性。这表明,在同一气候条件下,群落特征和树种组成是决定植被碳密度分异的重要因素,并且通过提升后期优势种占比的积极森林管理提升了东北次生林植被的碳密度和碳固持能力。