Carbon Concentration in Tree Components of Mature Pinus brutia Ten. Forests in the Marmara Transition Zone

Abstract

Aim of study: This study was carried out to determine the carbon concentration of the tree components (needles, wood, bark, root) and the weighted carbon concentrations of the above-ground and total tree mass.Area of study: Current study was carried out in natural Pinus brutia forests in the Marmara Transition Zone, southern side of Sakarya river.Material and methods: The samplings were made in 10 stands in the mature stage (dbh = 20.0-51.9 cm) that were different in terms of habitat characteristics. Needle, wood, bark, and root samples were taken from three dominant trees in each sample plot. Carbon was analysed in the laboratory in samples of tree components. The data obtained were evaluated by analysis of variance and Duncan multiple comparison test.Main results: Significant differences were determined between carbon concentration of tree components (p<0.001). The lowest carbon concentration (50.25%) was found in root and the highest (54.90%) in the bark. The weighted carbon concentration was calculated as 52.07% for the above-ground and 51.77% for the total tree biomass.Highlights: The results obtained can be used for the calculation of carbon stocks stored in both whole and in different components of trees in Pinus brutia forests.