Fire suppression and ecosystem carbon storage

A 35-year controlled burning experiment in Minnesota oak savanna showed tha t fire frequency had a great impact on ecosystem carbon (C) stores. Specifi cally, compared to the historical fire regime, fire suppression led to an a verage of 1.8 Mg.ha(-1).yr(-1) of C storage, with most carbon stored in woo dy biomass. Forest floor carbon stores were also significantly impacted by fire frequency, but there were no detectable effects of fire suppression on carbon in soil and fine roots combined, or in woody debris. Total ecosyste m C stores averaged similar to 110 Mg/ha in stands experiencing presettleme nt fire frequencies, but similar to 220 Mg/ha in stands experiencing fire s uppression. If comparable rates of C storage were to occur in other ecosyst ems in response to the current extent of fire suppression in the United Sta tes, fire suppression in the USA might account for 8-20% of missing global carbon.