INSTYTUT DENDROLOGII

Zbigniew Sierota, Anna Żółciak, Monika Małecka, Katarzyna Sikora, Marta Damszel

An approach to calculate CO₂ release through Norway spruce wood decay by Heterobasidion parviporum

Dendrobiology 2018, vol. 79: 91-96

http://dx.doi.org/10.12657/denbio.079.008

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Abstract: 

Fungi such as Heterobasidion spp., decomposing cellulose and lignin in the cell walls of tree roots and stems, cause widespread diseases in conifer forests, resulting in considerable economic losses in timber crops. In addition, they significantly contribute to increased atmospheric CO₂ levels. The aim of the present laboratory study was to evaluate the amount of CO₂ released during the decay of spruce wood samples by six isolates of H. parviporum over periods of 3 and 6 months. An original formula for the CO₂ release from decayed wood was developed and calculated. After 3 and 6 months, the average wood loss accounted for 13.6 and 22.1%, respectively. The estimated CO₂ release was 65.14 and 105.86 kg/m³, respectively. The proposed conversion method represents a useful tool for the monitoring of CO₂ emissions from wood decay, esp. in the context of global climate change.

Keywords: Picea abies, wood decomposition, white rot fungus, CO₂ release formula