TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taiwan Forestry Research Institute (TFRI, 農業部林業試驗所) reported on Thursday (Nov. 13), that soil, not tree trunks, holds the largest carbon reserves in forests. The institute highlighted that deep soil carbon concentrations vary significantly among different tree species living in the area, with Taiwanese China fir (香杉) leading in carbon storage compared to Chamaecyparis formosensis (紅檜) and Taiwania cryptomerioides (台灣杉).
The research, conducted in Renlun Forest Road (人倫地區) in Nantou, found that the deep soil where Taiwanese China fir grows boasts the highest carbon concentration among artificial forests. At the same time, the soil beneath Chamaecyparis formosensis ranks in the middle, and the deep soil under Taiwania cryptomerioides has a relatively lower concentration. This variation could reach a difference of 10 to 20 metric tons of carbon per hectare on average.
TFRI revealed that approximately 45% of Taiwan's forest ecosystem carbon storage resides in the soil, including organic matter such as fallen leaves and deadwood. With Taiwan's forest coverage at 60%, about one-third of which is scientifically managed artificial forests, selecting suitable afforestation species could significantly enhance their competitiveness and contribution to the carbon sink market.
The TFRI's also showcased that non-commercial thinning operations temporarily reduce soil carbon stocks, but total carbon levels significantly increase after a decade. The institute stressed that forest management must involve long-term planning, taking into account Taiwan's frequent extreme weather events, such as typhoons and heavy rains, to ensure sustainable carbon sequestration.