Abstract:Based on the national continuous forest inventory data, forest biomass change in Liaoning Province from 1984 to 2000 was estimated using dominant tree species biomass models. Specifically, forest carbon storage was parameterized, via plant molecular formulae, as a function of individual tree species carbon content. The results show that forest carbon storage in Liaoning increased from 51.82 Tg C in 1984 to 70.30 Tg C by 2000 with an annual average accumulation of 1.16 Tg C, indicating a gradual escalation of forest carbon sink. Forest carbon density increased from 1984 to 1990, followed by a decrease from 1990 to 1995 and an increase after 1995. The mean carbon density from 1984 to 2000 was estimated at 2061 Mg C/ hm2, which was significantly lower than the national average. A large proportion of young-aged and low quality of second-growth forests and plantations in Liaoning greatly limit carbon fixation. Forest carbon density will increase as the young-aged forests age and new management initiatives aiming to improve forest health are implemented.