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The warming of our planet is a direct consequence of anthropogenic emissions with carbon dioxide as the main driver. A need to mitigate carbon emissions is urgent and forests can be a part of the solution since they sequester and stock carbon during their lifetime This study has shown that production forests can sequester carbon to a higher degree since they consist of younger trees which are better at sequestration than older trees. But the study also show that older forests keep sequestering carbon and might not be carbon neutral as previously thought. Old growth forests contain higher carbon stocks than younger production forests since they often remain unmanaged and can continuously accumulate carbon into living and dead biomass as well as the soil. Production forests also accumulate carbon, but it is not nearly the same amount as in old growth forests. With regard to meeting the 1,5-degree goal set by the IPCC, i.e., cutting emissions with half until 2030 and having net zero carbon dioxide emissions until 2050. Harvesting with clear-cutting was found to be worse compared with harvesting at a lower frequency which causes less emissions but still supplies wood products to the industry. The result also show that we must protect more old growth and unmanaged forests that can sequester and stock carbon longer to be able to succeed with the 1,5-degree goal. The debate climate in Sweden is heated and opinions often differ. The difference may depend on the time frame or how results are interpretated.

On the fourth of November 2016, The Paris Agreement entered into force, stating that nations worldwide should pursue efforts to limit the global temperature increase to 1,5 °C. Since then, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has specified that carbon dioxide removal, such as biochar sequestration, is necessary to achieve this goal. Biochar is a solid and porous material, rich in carbon, produced when biomass undergoes a process called pyrolysis and can, if buried in soil, sequester carbon for hundreds or even thousands of years while at the same time acting as a soil amendment. When biomass is pyrolyzed to produce biochar, a pyrolysis gas is also produced, which can be used to generate both heat and electricity. This thesis investigates if constructing and operating a plant, called a combined pyrolysis and CHP plant, which combines biochar production with heat and electricity generation, could be economically feasible and thus be an effective method for carbon dioxide removal. The findings show that constructing and operating a combined pyrolysis and CHP plant can be economically feasible. However, the economic feasibility is greatly affected by the price of biochar as a soil amendment product. The biochar market is also an undeveloped market, making price estimates of biochar far from accurate. Another factor that could significantly affect the economic feasibility of the plant is the fraction of carbon in biochar, which can be accounted for as sequestered. A higher fraction means that significantly more governmental support can be given to provide financing of the plant as well as potential revenue from carbon credits could increase. The capital cost of constructing the plant is also a factor with high uncertainty, which has a substantial effect on the economic feasibility. From this thesis, it is concluded that more research regarding the biochar market, as well as the capital costs of constructing the plant, is needed. More research could further ascertain whether or not the plant could be economically feasible and thus, an effective method for carbon dioxide removal. / Den fjärde november 2016 trädde Parisavtalet i kraft vilket uppgav att länder över hela världen ska sträva efter att begränsa den globala temperaturökningen till 1,5 grader Celsius. I enlighet med detta mål har FN:s mellanstatliga klimatpanel, IPCC, specificerat att koldioxidavlägsnande åtgärder, såsom kolinlagring genom produktion av biokol, är nödvändigt. Biokol är ett fast och poröst material, rikt på kol, som produceras när biomassa genomgår en process som kallas pyrolys. Om biokol blandas ner i jord kan det binda kol i hundratals eller tusentals år samtidigt som det fungerar som jordförbättrare. När biomassa pyrolyseras produceras också en pyrolysgas som kan användas för att generera värme och elektricitet. Det här examensarbetet undersöker om det kan vara ekonomiskt genomförbart att bygga och driva en anläggning, benämnd en kombinerad pyrolys- och kraftvärmeanläggning, som kombinerar biokolsproduktion med värme- och elproduktion för att avlägsna koldioxid från atmosfären. Resultaten från arbetet visar att det kan vara ekonomiskt genomförbart att bygga och driva en kombinerad pyrolys- och kraftvärmeanläggning. Den ekonomiska genomförbarheten påverkas dock i hög grad av priset på biokol som jordförbättringsprodukt. Marknaden för biokol är dessutom outvecklad vilket gör att priset för biokol osäkert. En annan faktor som i hög grad skulle kunna påverka den ekonomiska genomförbarheten för anläggningen är andelen kol i biokol som kan anses vara lagrad. En högre andel innebär att betydligt mer statligt stöd kan ges för att finansiera anläggningen samt att potentiella intäkter från kolkrediter kan öka. Kapitalkostnaderna för att bygga anläggningen är också en faktor med hög osäkerhet som har stor effekt på den ekonomiska genomförbarheten. Från detta examensarbete dras slutsatsen att mer forskning kring biokolsmarknaden samt kring kapitalkostnaderna för att bygga anläggningen behövs. Detta behövs för att ytterligare fastställa den ekonomiska genomförbarheten hos en sådan anläggning för att avlägsna koldioxid från atmosfären.

Riparian wetlands may provide numerous ecosystem services, including water quality protection, food and fiber supply, wildlife habitat, and carbon sequestration. In recent years, riparian forests have received increased attention and funding for riparian forest restoration projects. Unfortunately, failures of riparian restoration efforts are likely due to mortality of planted trees. Tree mortality is commonly attributable to several factors, including selection of species that are not well suited to the wetland sites, inadequate planting densities, soil compaction associated with former agricultural activities, lack of microtopographic relief that allow small seedling to survive on wet sites, competition by herbaceous plants, and browse. Selection of well-suited species, dense planting and use of mechanical soil site preparations are all potential remedies to partially address success of wetland restoration plantings. Riparian restoration projects have historically been undertaken with goals of improving water quality and/or wildlife habitat, but in recent years there has been increased valuation of carbon sequestration. Carbon valuation appears to be increasing, but more research is needed to determine rates and pools of carbon accumulation in riparian areas. Our research quantifies forest establishment effects on multiple carbon pools in a densely planted, 12-year-old old-field riparian restoration. Our research evaluated the effects of four soil mechanical site preparations (bed, disk, pit, and mound and rip) and species selection (American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) and willow oak, (Quercus phellos) on forest establishment and carbon storage across multiple pools, namely in planted trees, herbaceous vegetation, fine roots, organic soil horizons, and the mineral soil. At 12 years, we found that species selection was more important to carbon storage than site preparation. American sycamore was well suited to the site and had better survival than willow oak (64% vs 42% survival). American sycamore also stored more carbon across all site preparations than willow oak. Measured carbon storage averaged 74.8 Mg ha-1 for American sycamore treatments and 63.1 Mg ha-1 for willow oak treatments. The plots were densely planted (1.2 m (4ft) by 1.8 m (6ft) spacing), and forests were established even in higher mortality willow oak plots. These results indicate that high planting density is potentially a viable practice for establishing riparian forest cover, especially if desired species are marginally site suited or other survival inhibiting factors exist. / Master of Science / Riparian forests located within the floodplain of streams are known to protect stream water quality, provide wildlife habitat, and store carbon. Due to these benefits, trees may be replanted on riparian areas that were formerly used for agriculture. Unfortunately, trees planted on these restoration sites have often died. The tree mortality may be due to planting incorrect tree species that may struggle on wet floodplains, soil compaction from agricultural practices, not enough trees being planted, and restored floodplains lacking small, elevated areas common across natural wetlands known to favor tree rooting and survival. Reasonably, selecting species that are well suited to a specific site, planting trees more densely, and using plowing methods designed to break up compaction and create some relief in elevation would amend these issues. Traditionally, floodplain restorations have focused on improving water quality and providing habitat for wildlife, but the benefits of storing carbon have become increasingly valuable in recent years. While we know that wetlands store carbon, research is needed to examine how quickly and where carbon is stored. Our research quantifies forest establishment and carbon storage of very densely planted, 12-year-old American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) and willow oak (Quercus phellos) plantations. This research examines the effects four soil tillage methods and tree species selection had on tree survival and carbon storage. Carbon storage was measured in vegetation, soil, and small roots. Twelve years after planting, species selection had a greater impact on carbon storage than soil tillage methods. No tillage method altered survival or total carbon after 12 years, but American sycamore was found to have better survival and more carbon than willow oak in all soil tillage treatments. Both species were successful in establishing planted forests on the floodplain, but the success was aided by the very high initial numbers of planted trees that ensured enough trees would survive on the site even after trees were lost to mortality. Creation of willow oak forests benefitted more from dense planting, as it was less suited to the site and more planted willow oaks died. We recommend tillage for compacted soil, selecting the most suitable tree species, and planting adequate numbers of trees.

The Greening Soweto Tree Planting project in the City of Johannesburg, South Africa, was a greening initiative aimed at ensuring that benefits of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, presented that year in the country, extended beyond the event. In assessing the trees of this project, it was confirmed that the target number of trees consisting mainly of indigenous tree species were planted predominantly as street and park trees in previously disadvantaged areas, traditionally known to have the least trees in the city. The survival rate of the project is estimated to be 43.46%, implying inadequacies in tree planting and management of the project and necessitating guidelines with recommendations to improve tree planting practices in the city. Growth relationship equations for Olea europaea subsp. africana and Searsia lancea were developed and the growth parameter analysis reveals that all trees grow better in parks but C. africana trees should rather be planted on sidewalks than on medians, S. lancea trees should preferably be planted on medians and C. erythrophyllum may be planted on sidewalks or medians as they would grow well in both locations. It is estimated that this project contributed 30 390.11 tCO2 of standing carbon stocks valued at R3 646 812,87 or US$303,901.07 (assuming a CO2 price of US$10.00) in 2017 and could potentially contribute 387 170.93 tCO2 of sequestered carbon stocks valued at R46 460 511,82 or US$3,871,709.32 by 2031 as mitigation action against climate change. A positive connection impacting the growth of the trees has been identified between land use, land cover and maintenance, indicating that the best locations for trees are maintained parks and formal residential areas as well as paved areas where irrigation is provided. The presence of pests and diseases, conflict with overhead structures and roads and a lack of pruning negatively impacted the growth of the trees. Guidelines for new tree planting projects have been developed with recommendations to maintain the canopy cover percentage in the established urban forest, enhance tree planting in the previously disadvantaged regions, improve the survival rate of new tree planting projects and establish community engagement forums to inform future tree planting of the city. / Environmental Sciences / Ph. D. (Environmental Management)

自工業革命後，隨著科技的進步，人口、經濟、醫療技術皆快速發展，也因人類需求的增加而大量燃燒化石燃料，大規模的砍伐熱帶雨林，導致大氣中二氧化碳大量增加，進而衍生溫室效應的發生，甚至造成全球氣候變遷。 在全球暖化的狀態下，聯合國氣候變化綱要公約與京都議定書中都明確肯定森林可固定主要溫室氣體二氧化碳，由於森林具備吸收和儲存二氧化碳的能力，其對於生態系統中的碳循環功能扮演重要的角色。若能有效監控森林資源，便能管理溫室氣體，且能提出有效的控管方式。 而本研究將應用遙測技術於碳吸存與環境變化的監測，透過美國大地衛星影像（Landsat）進行不同時期與區域之碳吸存的評估，與以往研究之最大差異為可進行大尺度與多時期的碳吸存評估，並且達到經濟、準確、有效提升效率之目標。 本研究根據光能利用率（Light use efficiency）為基礎模型，計算2005-2010之植生淨初級生產量（Net Primary Productivity, NPP），且配合不同的研究區域：台北、高雄，進一步探討不同的氣候條件與土地利用的條件下，其差異性對於NPP之影響。 成果顯示，在不同環境條件下碳吸存能力受到氣候條件影響最大，且在資料具有缺漏狀態下，依然能反映不同區域之趨勢，雖無法有效評估年總量，但仍可供評估區域性碳吸存能力之趨勢。 / Since the industrial revolution, with the rapid progress of science and technology, population, economy, and medical technology also grow rapidly. Because of increased human demand, coupled with burning lots of fossil fuels, and large-scale felling of tropical rain forests, which result in a significant increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide, and then trigger the greenhouse effect to occur, hence causing global climate change. Under the global warming condition, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol (KC) both clearly affirmed that forests can fix the main greenhouse gas—carbon dioxide. Because forests have the ability to absorb and store carbon dioxide, they plan an important role in carbon cycle function for ecosystem. If we can effectively monitor forest resources, we will be able to manage greenhouse gases, and can come up with effective control methods. In the present study, we will use remote sensing technology to monitor carbon sequestration and environmental changes. Using Landsat images, we assessed carbon sequestration of different time periods and areas. The biggest difference between this study and previous researches is that large-scale and multi-temporal carbon sequestration assessment can be done, and the goals of economic, accurate, and increasing efficiency can be achieved. In this study, the Net Primary Productivity (NPP) of 2005-2010 was calculated based on the light use efficiency model. By comparing the results of different research areas—Taipei and Kaohsiung, the effects of different climatic conditions and land use conditions on NPP was investigated. The results show that, under different environmental conditions, the carbon sequestration capacity is affected the most by climatic conditions. Furthermore, in the absence of data, it still can reflect the trend of different regions. Although not being able to effectively assess the total amount of a year, it still can be used to assess the trend of regional carbon sequestration capacity.

Dans la dernière décennie, plusieurs hectares de terre agricole ont été convertis à la culture intensive sur courtes rotations (CICR) de saules dans le sud du Québec (Canada). Peu d’études ont été réalisées afin de déterminer comment se comporte la dynamique du carbone organique (Corg) dans le sol suivant cette conversion. Nous avons donc comparé la quantité du Corg et de deux pools labiles de carbone (carbone extractible à l’eau chaude et les sucres aminés) entre des CICR en phase initiale d’établissement (1-2 ans) et des parcelles appariées représentant le système de culture qui prévalait avant la transformation en culture de saules (culture fourragère) et d’autres cultures d’intérêt. La même chose a été faite pour une CICR en exploitation (depuis 9 ans) à un autre site. La quantité de Corg du sol n’était pas différente entre les CICR et les parcelles sous culture fourragère. Une plus haute concentration de sucres aminés dans le Corg total des CICR en établissement, par rapport aux autres parcelles sur le même site, permet de soupçonner que les perturbations liées à l’établissement ne mènent pas à une minéralisation accrue du Corg à court terme. La proportion de sucres aminés fongiques, qui diminue théoriquement lors de perturbations, était aussi plus élevée sous la plus jeune culture. Sous la CICR de neuf ans, le Corg était redistribué dans le profil vertical et les pools labiles étaient de plus petite taille (à une profondeur de 20-40 cm) comparativement à une parcelle témoin. La conversion d’une culture fourragère en plantation de saules en CICR n’a pas mené à la formation d’un puits de carbone. L’étude laisse entrevoir qu’un tel puits pourrait être créé si la conversion se faisait à partir d’un aménagement impliquant la culture en rotation de plantes annuelles et des labours. / Over the last ten years, many hectares of short-rotation willow coppice (SRWC) have been established on abandoned agricultural lands in southern Quebec (Canada). However, few studies were conducted to determine if these changes from a conventional crop to SRWC of willows would affect the soil carbon dynamic. A preliminary paired-site study was conducted to assess the impact of this land-use conversion on soil carbon stocks and dynamics shortly after they were established (1-year and 2-year) at one site and after multiple rotations (9-year) at another site. Apart from the total soil organic carbon pool, two labile carbon pools were investigated: the hot-water extractable carbon (HWC) pool and the amino sugars (AS) pool. Willow establishment and exploitation for nine years did not bring any changes in total organic carbon compared to an abandoned hay culture. The mature SRWC displayed a redistribution of TSOC in the vertical soil profile. We also measured a higher proportion of AS, compared to other plots on the same site, in total organic carbon under the 1-year-old SRWC; especially the proportion in AS of fungi origin that theorically decrease with perturbation intensity. Proportion of AS was also elevated under 2-year-old SRWC. A possible interpretation is that establishment-linked perturbations did not shift carbon dynamic toward an increased mineralization. The mature willow plantation exhibited depletion of HWC and the more labile amino sugar (muramic acid) in the deeper soil layer (20-40cm). This case study shows that conversion from an abandoned hay culture to a SRWC did not create a carbon sink. It was also found that the 9- year old willow plantation contained higher TSOC and had better soil quality than an adjacent short-term no-till crop rotation culture.

As árvores de Tectona grandis (Verbenaceae) e de Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis (Pinaceae) são utilizadas em estudos dendroecológicos e dendroclimatológicos pela formação de anéis de crescimento anuais duas espécies plantadas na Mata da Pedreira do Campus da ESALQ/USP para estudos ecológicos e climáticos. Foram selecionadas 8 árvores de Tectona grandis (4 com e 4 sem lianas ocupando a copa das árvores) e 10 árvores de Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis (8 vivas - 4 com e 4 sem lianas ocupando a copa das árvores - e 2 mortas). Com a utilização de sondas de Pressler foram extraídas 2-6 amostras do lenho/árvore das 2 espécies para analisar seus anéis de crecimiento. Foi realizada (i) a caracterização anatômica macro e microscópica dos anéis de crescimento; (ii) estudos de dendrocronologia, pela datação e avaliação do crescimento radial do tronco das árvores; (iii) avaliação da densidade do lenho por densitometria de raios X para a determinação da densidade dos anéis de crescimento, incremento de biomassa e de carbono; (iv) avaliação da influência do clima local e em grande escala no crescimento do tronco das árvores; (v) análise dos vasos das árvores de T. grandis e dos anéis de crescimento falsos nas árvores de P. caribaea. Os resultados principais mostraram que as características anatômicas dos anéis de crescimento das árvores as 2 espécies coincidem com os descritos na literatura; a série de anéis de crescimento mostrou correlação significativa em relação à sincronização dos anéis de crescimento das árvores das 2 espécies. O efeito prejudicial das lianas na copa das árvores de T. grandis e de P. caribaea foi comprovado pela redução da largura dos anéis de crescimento no período de 2000-11 e de 1971-2011, respectivamente. A densidade aparente média dos anéis de crescimento (T. grandis: 0,64 g/cm3 e de P. caribaea: 0,60 g/cm3) permitiu calcular o incremento de massa de carbono, resultando que as árvores sem lianas apresentam maior estoque de carbono do que as com lianas. A análise dendroclimatológica mostrou que as árvores de P. caribaea apresentaram correlações positivas com a disponibilidade de água no solo no período de seca; as árvores de T. grandis mostram correlação positiva com o período de maior chuva, temperatura de primavera e a oscilação antártica (AAO) de outono no ano corrente de crescimento, e correlação negativa com o evento de El Niño (TNI) em outono anterior. A ocupação das lianas na copa das árvores de T. grandis provocou o aumento da área dos vasos; os vasos do lenho inicial (e sua frequência) mostraram correlação significativa com a largura dos anéis de crescimento, possibilitando a construção de cronologias desses parâmetros e a avaliação da influência climática nas árvores. A ocupação das lianas na copa das árvores de P. caribaea induziu diminuição da frequência dos anéis de crescimento falsos, formados, principalmente, pelo aumento das pricipatações de Julio anterior y verão (DJF) e corrente. Os resultados deste estudo permitiram concluir que a análise dos anéis de crescimento das árvores das 2 espécies tem grande potencial para estudos ecológicos e ambientais no Brasil. / The trees of Tectona grandis (Verbenaceae) and Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis (Pinaceae) are used in dendroecological and dendroclimatologal studies by formation the annual growth rings. For these reasons, the study aimed to examine the tree-rings of the two species planted in Mata da Pedreira in Campus ESALQ/USP to climatic and ecological studies. We selected eight T. grandis trees (4 with and 4 without lianas occupying the trees canopy) and 10 P. caribaea trees (8 live - 4 with and 4 without lianas- and 2 dead). With the use Pressler increment borer was extracted 2-6 wood samples/tree of two species to analyze their trees-rings growth. Were applied: i) anatomical characterization macro and microscopic of trees-rings; ii) dendrochronology studies, by dating and evaluation of the trees radial growth; iii) evaluating the density of the wood by X-ray densitometry for determination of tree-rings density, biomass and carbon increment; iv) evaluating of influence of local climate and large-scale on tree-rings; v) Analysis of the vessel in T. grandis trees and false rings in P.caribaea trees. The main results showed that the anatomical characteristics of trees-rings of the both species coincide with those described in the literature; the series of trees-rings showed significant correlation with respect to the synchronization of trees-rings in the two species. The unfavorable effect of lianas in the canopy of trees T. grandis and P. caribaea was confirmed by the reduction of the tree-rings width in period 2000-2011 and 1976-2011, respectively. . The apparent density average of tree-rings (T. grandis: 0,64 g/cm3 e de P. caribaea: 0,60 g/cm3) allowed us to calculate the increase of carbon mass, resulting that trees without lianas had higher carbon stocks than those with lianas. The climatological analysis showed that P. caribaea showed positive correlations with water availability in the soil in the dry season; T. grandis trees showed positive correlations with period of highest rainfall, temperature of spring and AAO of fall in the current growing season, and negative correlation with El Niño event (TNI) in the fall. The ocupation of lianas on T. grandis trees caused the increase of the vessels area; the earlywood vessels (and frequency) had a significant correlation with the tree-rings, allowing build of chronologies of these parameters and evaluate the influences climate in the trees. The ocupation of lianas on P. caribaea trees induced a decrease in false rings, which are formed primarily by the increase of the previous July and current summer (DJF). The results of this study showed that the tree-rings analysis of the two species has great potential to ecological and climatical studies in Brazil.

Die vorrangige Zielstellung dieser Dissertation war die Berechnung nicht erschlossener landwirtschaftlicher Potenziale des Europäischen Russlands. Wir haben ein räumliches Allokationsmodell entwickelt, dass die jährlichen Acker- und Ackerbrachflächen von 1991 bis 2009 kartiert. Diese Daten haben wir anschließend in ein dynamisches Vegetationsmodell integriert und damit berechnet, dass während der postsowjetischen Aufgabe von 31 Millionen Hektar Ackerland bis 2009 470 TgC in Boden und Vegetation gebunden wurden. Anschließend haben wir ein Pflanzenwachstumsmodell auf regionale Weizenerträge kalibriert und darauf basierend durchschnittliche Ertragslücken von 1.51-2.10 t ha−1 für natürliche (künstlich unbewässerte) und 3.14-3.30 t ha−1 für künstlich bewässerte Anbaubedingungen ermittelt. Die Karte der Ackerbrachflächen, räumlich-explizite Informationen über die Kohlenstoffspeicherung in Boden und Vegetation infolge der Ackerflächenaufgabe sowie unsere Ergebnisse der Ertragslückenberechnung haben wir zur Berechnung von Weizenproduktionspotenzialen verwendet. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen, dass das Europäische Russland erhebliche Potenziale mobilisieren kann – bis zu 32 Millionen Tonnen für künstlich unbewässerte Bedingungen – obwohl ausschließlich jüngere Ackerbrachen zur Rekultivierung in unserem Modell berücksichtigt wurden. Ältere Brachflächen haben häufig große Mengen Kohlenstoff in Boden und Vegetation gespeichert; die Rekultivierung ältere Brachflächen würde zu hohen Emissionen führen. Eine wesentliche Schlussfolgerung dieser Dissertation ist daher, dass Produktionssteigerungen vorrangig durch Flächenintensivierung der bestehenden Ackerflächen erzielt werden sollten. Allerdings können die Ergebnisse dieser Arbeit helfen, Brachen für die Rekultivierung zu bestimmen, deren Rekultivierung relativ geringe Kohlenstoffemissionen nach sich ziehten. Zudem können die Ergebnisse dieser Arbeit nützlich sein, landwirtschaftliche Produktionsmittel effizienter einzusetzen. / This dissertation addresses the primary objective to systematically quantify untapped agricultural potentials in European Russia, where widespread abandoned agricultural lands and large yield gaps co-exist. We developed a spatial allocation model to produce annual cropland and cropland abandonment maps. Feeding the new maps into a dynamic vegetation model revealed that 470 Tg of carbon was sequestered in soil and vegetation due to the abandonment of 31 million hectares of cropland. Thus, the environmental consequences limit the potential for cropland expansion to abandoned cropland. We then calibrated a crop growth model for provincial wheat yields in European Russia and found average yield gaps of 1.51–2.10 t ha−1 under rainfed conditions and 3.14–3.30 t ha−1 under irrigated conditions. The cropland abandonment maps, spatial information on carbon sequestration due to cropland abandonment, and the estimates of yield gaps allowed us to estimate the potential of European Russia to increase its wheat production and to account for the carbon tradeoffs of cropland expansion. We demonstrated that European Russia can substantially increase its wheat production (up to 32 Mt under rainfed conditions). This increase is despite a limited expansion of wheat cultivation to the recently abandoned cropland to reduce the trade-off from the high carbon emissions in re-cultivating older, abandoned cropland where most carbon is stored. Therefore, intensification of the existing croplands is recommended to be the major driver for future growth in agricultural production. This dissertation can help policy makers and agribusiness owners identify areas suitable for cropland expansion, better target agricultural inputs and infrastructures, as well as guide adaptation strategies to the volatile climate conditions. Moreover, this dissertation contributes to better identifying and balancing trade-offs between environmental impacts and increasing agricultural production in European Russia.

A atividade humana tem contribuído com as emissões de gases de efeito estufa (GEE) associadas, principalmente, com queima de combustíveis fósseis e mudanças no uso da terra. Assim, se faz necessário que sejam adotadas medidas visando o retardamento dos efeitos das mudanças climáticas. As florestas exercem papel essencial no balanço de carbono principalmente por funcionarem como sumidouros de CO2. Por outro lado, se desmatadas, promovem emissões e liberam parte do carbono estocado. A quantidade de biomassa florestal e o teor de carbono podem variar em função do tipo florestal, bem como de sua localização. Entretanto, fator importante diz respeito à confiabilidade dos dados mensurados neste tipo de pesquisa. A biomassa e o carbono da parte aérea podem ser determinados via método destrutivo, ou estimados via método não destrutivo. A construção do Rodoanel Mário Covas trecho norte e a supressão de uma área de Mata Atlântica possibilitou a realização de estudo de biomassa da parte aérea via método destrutivo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o tamanho e forma de parcelas, a intensidade amostral, quantificar a biomassa e o carbono na parte aérea, comparar métodos destrutivos e não destrutivos para a quantificação de biomassa e carbono na parte aérea, estudar a variação da densidade básica da madeira das espécies nas diferentes classes de DAP e grupos sucessionais e comparar as medidas de altura total e DAP obtidas a campo no inventário com as medidas coletadas após o corte. O tamanho mais conveniente de parcela foi 400 m 2, com forma retangular e dimensão de 10 x 40 m. A intensidade amostral variou entre 39 e 75 unidades amostrais. A biomassa da parte aérea obtida, via método destrutivo, foi de 188,3 Mg ha-1 e o carbono, 85,1 Mg ha-1. A biomassa estimada por equações alométricas da literatura foi subestimada, quando comparada ao valor real, obtido via método destrutivo. As menores classes de DAP apresentaram as maiores densidades básicas da madeira. A densidade básica foi 0,488 g cm-3 na média das espécies. A porcentagem de carbono contida nos troncos e galhos não diferiu entre as classes de DAP. O teor de carbono foi 45,41%, na média dos troncos e galhos. Espécies pioneiras acumularam maior quantidade de biomassa e carbono nos galhos e apresentaram maior densidade básica que as não pioneiras. A utilização dos dados coletados na fase de inventário e após o corte não afetaram os valores de biomassa estimados. / Human activity has contributed to the emission of greenhouse gases associated mainly with burning fossil fuels and changes in land use. Thus, it is necessary that measures be adopted to delay the effects of climate change. Forests play an essential role in the carbon balance mainly acting as CO2 sinks. On the other hand, if they are deforested, they will promote emissions and release some of the stocked carbon. The amount of forest biomass and the carbon content may vary depending on the forest type and its location. However, an important factor is about the reliability of the data measured in this type of research. Aboveground biomass and carbon can be determined via destructive method or estimated by non-destructive method. The construction of the north extension of Mário Covas Road and the suppression of an Atlantic forest area made it possible to carry out study of the aboveground biomass via destructive method. The goal of this work was to study the size and shape of plots, the sampling intensity, their aboveground biomass and carbon, compare destructive and non-destructive methods for the quantification of biomass and carbon, study the variation of wood basic density in the species in different classes of diameter of trunk at breast height (DBH) and successional groups and compare the total height and DBH measures obtained on field in the inventory with the measures taken after the cut. The most convenient plot size is 400 m2, with rectangular shape and size of 10 x 40 m. The sampling intensity varied between 39 and 75 sample units. The aboveground biomass obtained, via destructive method, was 188.3 Mg ha-1 and carbon, 85.1 Mg ha-1. The biomass estimated by allometric equations of the literature was underestimated compared to the real value obtained via destructive method. Smaller DBH classes had the highest wood basic density. The basic density was 0.488 g cm-3 in average of the species. The percentage of carbon contained in the trunks and branches did not differ between the DBH classes. The carbon content was 45.41%, in the average of the trunks and branches. Pioneer species accumulated higher amount of biomass and carbon in the branches and had a higher wood basic density than non pioneers species. The utilization of data collected in the inventory phase and after the cut did not affect the estimated biomass values.