Abstract |
Increases of atmospheric greenhouse gases and the potential consequences of future climate change have generated interest in understanding and quantifying the role of terrestrial ecosystems in the carbon cycle (Birdsey, 1995). Forest ecosystems are capable of storing large quantities of carbon in trunks, limbs, roots, and soil, providing an important terrestrial 'sink' for carbon dioxide (PCC/UNEP/OECD/IEA, 1997). Conversion of forests to other land uses can result in net emissions of CO2, while forest regeneration will, over time, result in uptake (Pulliam, 1996). The purpose of this study was to complete a GIS presentation of annual carbon storage increments resulting from forest management and land use changes in Iowa and to establish a baseline inventory of above and below ground carbon storage for the year 1990. |