Forests play a critical role in combating climate change by regulating temperatures, purifying air and water, and supporting biodiversity. One of their most vital functions is forest carbon storage, as they absorb and retain carbon dioxide in trees and soil, helping to mitigate global warming. While oceans also serve as carbon sinks, forests offer a land-based solution that can be actively managed. However, simply planting more trees is not enough—different species provide varying benefits, and their effectiveness in carbon sequestration depends on environmental factors.
To better understand which trees contribute most to forest carbon storage, researchers from INRAE and Bordeaux Sciences Agro collaborated with global partners, including the French National Forest Office (ONF) and the French National Center for Private Forest Ownership (CNPF). They analyzed 223 tree species across 160 forest sites worldwide, studying functional traits that determine a tree’s growth, nutrient use, and carbon storage capacity.
For years, scientists believed that fast-growing trees, known as acquisitive species, were the best for forest carbon storage. These species, such as maples, poplars, and English oaks, efficiently absorb nutrients and convert them into biomass. Their rapid photosynthesis, supported by large leaves and high nitrogen content, suggested they would store the most carbon. However, a surprising discovery emerged when researchers studied real-world forest conditions.
In boreal and temperate forests, conservative tree species, which grow more slowly but are highly resource-efficient, actually stored more carbon over time than their fast-growing counterparts. These species, including firs, downy oaks, and holm oaks, invest in survival rather than rapid growth. In harsh climates with poor soil, their ability to conserve water and nutrients makes them more effective at long-term carbon sequestration.
The findings also revealed regional differences. In tropical forests, where conditions are warm and humid, both fast-growing and slow-growing species performed similarly. This suggests that in regions with ideal conditions, growth speed alone does not determine carbon storage efficiency.
One of the study’s key takeaways is that successful reforestation requires matching tree species to local environmental conditions. Acquisitive species thrive in nutrient-rich, well-watered environments, whereas conservative species excel in dry, cold, or nutrient-poor regions. This precision-based approach to tree planting ensures that efforts to enhance forest carbon storage are more effective.
By considering tree traits and environmental factors, forest managers can make informed decisions that optimize carbon sequestration. This shift in strategy challenges the conventional wisdom that faster-growing trees are always the best option. Instead, prioritizing species that adapt well to specific conditions will yield greater long-term benefits.
As climate action becomes more urgent, understanding how forests store carbon is essential. The research highlights that nature’s processes are complex, and reforestation efforts must be guided by scientific insights rather than speed alone. With this knowledge, forest management can become more strategic, ensuring that forests remain resilient and maximize their role in capturing carbon for generations to come.
https://www.earth.com/news/slow-and-steady-tree-growth-wins-the-race-for-carbon-capture