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
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