EFFECTS OF ELEVATION ON THE ABOVEGROUND BIOMASS AND CARBON STOCK IN THE ORIENTAL BEECH (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) FORESTS OF THE SINOP REGION, TURKEY

Abstract

In this study it was our aim to assess the amount of aboveground biomass and carbon stock of beech stands based on elevation. To achieve this, in the research area, 55 trial sites were chosen by selective sampling method depending on elevation climatic zones (400-600 m, 600-800 m, 800-1000 m). In these trial areas, 55 trees were cut down and the weights of their bark, leaves, stem and branches were determined. The carbon content of each component was calculated. The results of the study showed that, in all elevation zones, the stem wood had the highest average biomass and carbon stock values of all the tree components (for the 400-600 m, biomass was 199.19 kg and carbon stock was 95.82 kg; for the 600-800 m, biomass was 378.75 kg and carbon stock was 182.49 kg; for the 800-1000 m, biomass was 372.56 kg and carbon stock was 183.39 kg). This was followed by the branches, bark and leaves in descending order. The aboveground biomass in the single tree components of leaves, branches, stem and total biomass, all except the biomass of their bark varied with elevation in oriental beech stands, which are economically significant species in Turkey.