Forests include a huge mass of trees which can absorb and store carbon over a long period of time, and are hence considered as carbon sinks. Plants require carbon in the form of carbon dioxide gas to perfo rm photosynthesis. When forest fire occurs, this stored carbon is released into the atmosphere.

A piece of land with a large number of trees is known as a forest. It is a system which is composed of flora, fauna, and microorganisms. It is the habitat for a variety of living organisms. Forests influence the climate, and they act as large areas of carbon sinks.

The part of the topsoil which is formed by the decomposition of leaves and other plant material by soil microorganisms is called humus. It is the organic matter that contains essential nutrients for the growth of plants.