Forest Management for Timber Production and Climate Change Mitigation: Linking Dynamics of Carbon Cycle in Ecosystem Management

This book introduces the complex world of carbon dynamics within forest ecosystems, particularly in boreal zones, while also incorporating findings from selected temperate areas. It explores how these dynamics are influenced by management strategies and operations, providing a comprehensive understanding of how forests can be managed to enhance carbon uptake and thus, mitigate climate change.

Divided into five parts, the volume begins by addressing the characteristics of global and boreal forests and their contribution to carbon storage. The following sections explore carbon dynamics in both natural and managed forests, including their impact on forest succession. The text also examines how management practices affect carbon dynamics, tree growth, and carbon stocks. Strategies to mitigate climate change through forest management, including the management of soil carbon and reforestation efforts are discussed. Finally, topics such as pre-commercial management, commercial thinning, and forest fertilization and their roles in managing boreal forest ecosystems for carbon sequestration and climate benefits are addressed.

Aimed at professionals, researchers, and students in forestry, environmental science, and climate change studies, this book provides valuable insights into developing management strategies that enhance carbon uptake and accumulation in forest ecosystems. Readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of how forest management can contribute to climate change mitigation. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in sustainable forestry practices.

The research career of Prof. Seppo Kellomäki has spanned from the early 1970s to today. His research activities deal mainly with the structure and functioning of boreal forests and sustainable management of boreal forests for varying ecosystem goods and services. His early studies focused on the multiple uses of forest and management of Scots pine forest for high-quality timber. However, his main contribution to forest science deals with climate change impacts on the dynamics of the boreal forest ecosystem in conditions where forests and forest-based industry are important for the welfare of society. In this context, his focus has been on experimental studies on how the elevating temperature, atmospheric carbon dioxide, and changes in precipitation likely affect the physiology and growth of boreal tree species. These studies have provided a solid base for modelling. This has made it possible to understand how climate change likely affects the long-term dynamics of the boreal forest ecosystem and the future of forest management. The main questions have been how management should be used and developed to avoid detrimental effects of successional dynamics and management of boreal forest ecosystem for different ecosystem services. Many of his research papers further address the problems of how forest management and forests should be adapted to climate warming in the boreal conditions, and how management might be used to mitigate warming.