Older forests don't necessarily store more carbon, study finds

A new study from the University of Michigan challenges the idea that older forests always store more carbon. Researchers looked at carbon cycling over 200 years and found it's more complex. The study, published in the journal Ecological Applications, involved over 100 scientists. They studied different types of forest stands at a long-running research site in Michigan. This included old-growth forests, logged areas from the early 1900s, and places that have been logged or burned since. Lead researcher Luke Nave explained that factors like tree and fungal community composition, as well as soil processes, are more important for carbon storage than just the age of the forest. Nave said, “Time is not what drives carbon cycling," but rather the forest’s structure and composition. The research team used decades of data from the University of Michigan Biological Station, which is known for studying forest ecosystems. They measured various elements like soil respiration and carbon pools to understand forest dynamics better. Co-author Jason Tallant highlighted the value of their historical data in informing current research about carbon sequestration. The study emphasizes that managing forests involves more than considering their age; it requires understanding the complex relationships within the ecosystem. Nave noted that climate change and other factors have altered forest dynamics significantly. He urged that forest management cannot rely solely on past wisdom. The study aims to help scientists and managers better adapt to ongoing changes in forest ecosystems.