A comparison of coarse woody debris volume and variety between old-growth and secondary longleaf pine forests in the southeastern United States

2018 ◽  
Vol 429 ◽  
pp. 124-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael D. Ulyshen ◽  
Scott Horn ◽  
Scott Pokswinski ◽  
Joseph V. McHugh ◽  
J. Kevin Hiers
2011 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 161-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huei-Jin Wang ◽  
Philip J. Radtke ◽  
Stephen P. Prisley

Abstract Broad-scale estimates of coarse woody debris (CWD) yield across landscapes are somewhat rare, despite the importance of CWD in ecosystem functioning and its potential role in terrestrial carbon cycles. Yields of CWD were estimated at regional scales by linking a stand-level predictive model with regional forest inventory data for 11 states in the southern United States. We estimated that the accumulation of CWD in late-rotation loblolly pine plantations across the South totals 48.67 million metric tons of dry wood necromass, the carbon equivalent of 24.33 million metric tons. This represents annual CO2 emissions of 21 coal-fired power plants, or the amount of carbon sequestered each year in 7 million ha of pine forests. Confidence intervals for CWD dry weight per hectare generally did not exceed ±25% of the estimated values. Although county-level estimates were of higher uncertainty, the spatial pattern appeared to be relatively consistent with the extent of loblolly pine, with low yields near the extremes of the species' natural range and high yields in extensively forested portions of its range. Quantifying regional carbon stores of CWD with respect to stand-level management activities may improve accuracy of regional estimates and provide further insight into management effects on the carbon pool and the carbon cycle.


1994 ◽  
Vol 24 (10) ◽  
pp. 1989-1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glenn H. Stewart ◽  
Larry E. Burrows

The volume, biomass, and carbon and nitrogen content of coarse woody debris were measured on three 1-ha reference plots in old-growth Nothofagusfusca (Hook. f.) Oerst.–Nothofagusmenziesii (Hook. f.) Oerst. forest on the South Island of New Zealand. Two decay sequences for logs and one for standing dead trees (snags) were recognised from two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) of up to 30 variables related to physical characteristics and structural integrity. Wood volume (up to 800 m3•ha−1) and biomass were high (up to 300 Mg•ha−1), and the inside-out decay sequence from heartwood to sapwood was unusual compared with that of other temperate hardwood forests. Coarse woody debris represented significant carbon and nitrogen pools, with ca. 150 Mg•ha−1 and 370 kg•ha−1, respectively, in one stand. The coarse woody debris component of these broad-leaved evergreen hardwood forests was much higher than that reported for other temperate hardwood forests and approaches that of many northern hemisphere conifer forests. The large coarse woody debris pools are discussed in relation to live stand biomass, natural disturbances and tree mortality, and decomposition processes.


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