Oak Forests as Long-Term Carbon Sinks: Carbon Sequestration Dynamics and Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Change Mitigation, Conservation, and Forest-Based Carbon Management

Abstract

Oak species (Quercus spp.) represent one of the most widespread and ecologically important groups of woody plants in the Northern Hemisphere, forming dominant forest ecosystems across temperate, Mediterranean, subtropical, and montane regions. Due to their longevity, high wood density, extensive root systems, and large biomass, oaks play a significant role in terrestrial carbon cycling and long-term carbon storage. However, a comprehensive synthesis of the contribution of oak forests to carbon sequestration remains limited. This review integrates a systematic bibliometric assessment with a qualitative synthesis of the peerreviewed literature to evaluate the role of oak species and oak-dominated forests in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. A total of 656 publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science were analyzed, revealing increasing research activity after 2008 and a broad geographic distribution of studies, with the highest contributions from the United States, Spain, China, and Germany. The reviewed studies demonstrate that oak ecosystems function as substantial and durable carbon sinks, storing carbon in aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, deadwood, litter, and soil organic carbon pools. Carbon sequestration is influenced by stand age, site conditions, species composition, and management practices. This review highlights oak forests as resilient, multifunctional ecosystems, with a critical role in nature-based climate solutions and sustainable forest management.