Thünen Institute Reveals Forest Soil in Germany Compensates Carbon Losses from Trees
During the dry years from 2018 to 2020, Germany's forests lost their carbon sink function, but forest soil compensated for nearly all carbon losses, according to findings from the Thünen Institute. The study revealed that soil carbon storage peaked as deadwood, leaves, and roots decomposed, leading to increased carbon sequestration in the soil.
Currently, approximately 2,200 million tonnes of carbon are stored in German forests, with soil holding nearly as much as above-ground biomass. Living trees account for 1,184 million tonnes, while soils store 936 million tonnes.
The updated modelling indicates that soil carbon absorption from dead biomass slows after a few years, but new forests are emerging on damaged areas, contributing to carbon storage. The researchers plan to present interim results of the soil carbon content inventory by the end of 2026.
