CO2Fix

A modeling framework for quantifying carbon sequestration in forest ecosystems

L M. van Leeuwen T.A. Groen

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION

What to expect
General layout and use of the model Discussion about the model
Assumptions What you can do with the model What you can NOT do with the model

Assignment

CO2Fix
CO2FIX is an ecosystem-level simulation model that quantifies the C stocks and fluxes in the forest using the so-called full carbon accounting approach, i.e. calculating changes in carbon stocks in all carbon pools over time. It is NOT a spatial model

Carbon fluxes

Total biomass Bt = Bs + Bf + Bb+ Br

Model basis
The total carbon physically stored in the system at any time (CTt) is considered to be CTt = Cbt + Cst + Cpt (Mg C/ha) Cbt is carbon stored in living (above plus belowground) biomass at time t (Mg C/ha), Cst is the carbon stored in soil organic matter (Mg C/ha), Cpt is the carbon stored in wood products (Mg C/ha)

CO2FIX V 3.1 is a simple carbon bookkeeping model that consists of six modules: 1. biomass module 2. soil module 3. products module 4. bioenergy module 5. financial module 6. carbon accounting module

Model layout
The biomass module converts net annual increment (growth or yield) data to annual carbon stocks. Turnover and harvest parameters> C-fluxes into soil and products compartment. The soil module: simulation of decomposition of litter and harvest residues using basic climate and litter quality information.

Model layout
wood products module: harvested carbon (depending on processing efficiency, product longevity and recycling) bioenergy module: discarded products from product module are used to generate bioenergy. The carbon accounting module: all Cfluxes to and from the atmosphere and the effects of the chosen scenarios.

Model layout
The financial module uses costs and revenues of management interventions to determine the financial profitably of the different scenarios.

General layout and use of the model

General layout and use of the model

The carbon stocks and flows in the forests living biomass (above- and belowground) are estimated using a cohort model approach , based on characteristics per species Each species is a cohort with similar growth characteristics

General layout and use of the model

each species is a cohort

Cohort in the model

Defined by general parameters, such as species,

Model use
The driving factor of each cohort in the biomass module is the stemwood production in volume per ha (compare DbH) Multiplication with the stemwood density (allometric equation) and the carbon content (0-5) leads to carbon flux into the stemwood compartment.

Total biomass Bt = Bs + Bf + Bb+ Br

Model use
CO2FIX V 3.1 allows two basic approaches for modelling growth of the cohorts: 1. tree growth as a function of tree or stand age, and 2. tree growth as a function of biomass.

Where to find input parameters

parameterised by published data (often yield tables) on growth rates and amounts of biomass in the various forest types together with forest soil carbon data. Initial values for dead wood, litter, and soil stable humus can be based on current knowledge in literature. With basic wood density (dry matter weight per fresh volume) and carbon content data from literature, volume and dry matter are converted to carbon.

General layout and use of the model

Using Yield tables

Yield tables
IcG: Current basal area increment per year in the year of Observation, m2 ha-1 per year IcV :Current volume increment per year in the year of observation m3 ha-1 per year

Biomass module

The parameterisation of the stem compartment is done in the Biomass main menu, tab Stems. Data from yield tables

Biomass module
The biomass growth of foliage, branches and roots are expressed as fractions of stem biomass growth rate . Bi = Fi*Bs Where:
Fi = relative fraction, Fb for branches, Fr for roots) Bi = growth of biomass (Bf for foliage, Bb for branches, Br for roots) Bs = growth of stem biomass

Biomass module

Biomass module

Biomass module, mortality

Carbon calculation

Outputs
Stocks table Flow table Financial output Carbon credits

Limitations
Model is data driven! CO2FIX relies heavily on net annual increment data from yield tables. Natural variability not included management irregularity and risks caused by e.g. storm and fire not included Gives standard Parameters for many processes. Can NOT be used to analyse response of forests to (e.g. climate change) without further knowledge (e.g. adjusted parameters)

Advantages
Makes it possible to compare scenarios Growth and other forest dynamics fully under YOUR control, not by the equations in the model Easy calculations, fast updates of values

Assignment
Find the programme and needed info Have good look at the Pinus sylvestris example provided.
Change some of the parameters Get a good feel of how the program works Use the manual and listen to the presentation on the toolbox CD

Compare and discuss the Pinus example with the Dipterocarp forest of Indonesia