Partial cutting as an analogue to stem exclusion and dieback in trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) dominated boreal mixedwoods: implications for deadwood dynamicsThis article is one of a selection of papers published in the Special Forum IUFRO 1.05 Uneven-Aged Silvicultural Research Group Conference on Natural Disturbance-Based Silviculture: Managing for Complexity.

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 1525-1533 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. D. Harvey ◽  
S. Brais
Keyword(s):  
Populus Tremuloides ◽  
Coarse Woody Debris ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Trembling Aspen ◽  
White Birch ◽  
Partial Cutting ◽  
Downed Wood

In the winter of 1998–1999, two partial harvesting treatments that removed 33% (1/3) and 61% (2/3) of stand basal area were applied to even-aged trembling aspen ( Populus tremuloides Michx.) stands and compared with unharvested control stands. Stands in the 1/3 treatment were low thinned, while stands in the 2/3 removal were crown thinned. Coarse woody debris dynamics were assessed during the following 6 years by means of permanent sampling plots and downed wood inventories. Between 1999 and 2004, tree mortality was, respectively, 18%, 17%, and 32% in control stands and 1/3 and 2/3 harvesting treatments. Although total snag density was similar between controls and partial cutting treatments, total snag basal area was significantly higher in controls in 2004. Between 1999 and 2004, net change in aspen snag density was positive for controls and negative for both partial cutting treatments. Partial cutting also exacerbated mortality of small-diameter white birch ( Betula papyrifera Marsh.). Downed wood volume increased by 35 m3·ha–1 in controls and by 25 m3·ha–1 in the 2/3 harvesting treatment, while it decreased by 7 m3·ha–1 in the 1/3 harvesting treatment. Coarse woody debris goals can be established in silviculture prescriptions; type, timing, and intensity of partial cutting are crucial to the outcome.

Growth and mortality following partial cutting in a trembling aspen – conifer stand: results after 10 years

2010 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 894-903 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcel Prévost ◽  
Daniel Dumais ◽  
David Pothier
Keyword(s):  
Populus Tremuloides ◽  
Growth Response ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Trembling Aspen ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
Partial Cutting ◽  
Coniferous Species ◽  
Broad Leaved Species

We present the effects, 10 years after treatment, of different cutting intensities (removal of 0%, 35%, 50%, 65%, and 100% of basal area (BA)) on the response of residual trees in a 60-year-old mixed aspen–conifer stand in Quebec, Canada. While decennial mortality reached 170 stems·ha–1 under natural conditions (control, 24 m2·ha–1 BA), the removal of mature trembling aspen ( Populus tremuloides Michx.) trees reduced hardwood losses to 125, 105, and 0 stems·ha–1, respectively, in the 35%, 50%, and 65% cuttings, without affecting losses of coniferous species (≤25 stems·ha–1). The growth response of conifers was generally higher than that of broad-leaved species. For hardwoods, the decennial gains in merchantable BA decreased with respect to the control (3.2 m2·ha–1), to 1.2 m2·ha–1 in the 35% cut and to 0.9 m2·ha–1 in the 50% cut, but increased under the 65% cut (2.5 m2·ha–1). For conifers, gains were proportional to removal in partial cuts (2.6–4.9 m2·ha–1) and lower in the control (1.7 m2·ha–1). As a whole, our results suggest that partial cutting may be an effective means of increasing growth of the softwood proportion occupying the intermediate and suppressed strata in a mixed aspen-dominated stand.

Dynamics of coarse woody debris following gap harvesting in the Acadian forest of central Maine, U.S.A.

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (12) ◽  
pp. 2094-2105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shawn Fraver ◽  
Robert G Wagner ◽  
Michael Day
Keyword(s):  
Coarse Woody Debris ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Sampling Period ◽  
Permanent Plots ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Decay Class ◽  
Acadian Forest ◽  
Mechanical Crushing

We examined the dynamics of down coarse woody debris (CWD) under an expanding-gap harvesting system in the Acadian forest of Maine. Gap harvesting treatments included 20% basal area removal, 10% basal area removal, and a control. We compared volume, biomass, diameter-class, and decay-class distributions of CWD in permanent plots before and 3 years after harvest. We also determined wood density and moisture content by species and decay class. Mean pre-harvest CWD volume was 108.9 m3/ha, and biomass was 23.22 Mg/ha. Both harvesting treatments increased the volume and biomass of non-decayed, small-diameter CWD (i.e., logging slash), with the 20% treatment showing a greater increase than the 10% treatment and both treatments showing greater increases than the control. Post-harvest reduction of advanced-decay CWD due to mechanical crushing was not evident. A mean of 18.48 m3 water/ha (1.85 L/m2) demonstrates substantial water storage in CWD, even during an exceptionally dry sampling period. The U-shaped temporal trend in CWD volume or biomass seen in even-aged stands may not apply to these uneven-aged stands; here, the trend is likely more complex because of the superimposition of small-scale natural disturbances and repeated silvicultural entries.

Structural differences between forests regenerating following spruce budworm defoliation and clear-cut harvesting: implications for marten

2000 ◽  
Vol 30 (12) ◽  
pp. 1965-1972 ◽  
Author(s):  
David C Payer ◽  
Daniel J Harrison
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Quality ◽  
Coarse Woody Debris ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Choristoneura Fumiferana ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Natural Disturbance ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
Understory Vegetation ◽  
Clear Cut

American marten (Martes americana Turton) avoid recent clearcuts when establishing territories but do not avoid similarly aged stands with a history of extensive tree mortality caused by the eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana Clem.). We quantified differences in overstory vegetation, understory vegetation, and coarse woody debris between stands that were clear-cut or defoliated by spruce budworms 10-20 years prior to our study. Our objectives were to identify habitat features with functional significance for marten that were lacking in managed stands and to propose goals for silvicultural practices that more closely resemble a natural disturbance (insect defoliation), thus improving habitat quality for marten. In contrast to regenerating clearcuts, defoliated stands had greater volumes of snags, downed logs, and root masses and included taller trees. Although live-tree basal area was similar between stand types, our results suggest that vertical structure provided by large snags can offset limited availability of live trees for marten, particularly where coarse woody debris and understory vegetation are plentiful. In stands under even-aged management, habitat quality for marten may be enhanced by retention of >18 m2/ha cull trees and snags. Uneven-aged silvicultural systems, which more closely mimic natural disturbance by defoliating insects, may have particular promise for maintaining marten habitat.

Partial cutting reduces species richness of fungi on woody debris in oak-rich forests

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (7) ◽  
pp. 1807-1816 ◽  
Author(s):  
Björn Nordén ◽  
Frank Götmark ◽  
Martin Ryberg ◽  
Heidi Paltto ◽  
Johan Allmér
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Fruiting Bodies ◽  
Partial Cutting ◽  
Total Species Richness ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Closed Canopy ◽  
And Control ◽  
Total Species

Partial cutting is increasingly applied in European temperate oak-dominated forests for biofuel harvesting, and to counteract succession in protected stands. Effects on biodiversity of these measures need to be carefully evaluated, and species-rich but neglected taxa such as fungi should be considered. We studied the effects of partial cutting on fungal fruiting bodies on woody debris. In 21 closed canopy forests rich in large oaks in Sweden, on average 25%–30% of the basal area was cut. Fruiting bodies were counted and some were collected in treated and control plots before and after treatment. We found 334 basidiomycete and 47 ascomycete species. Species richness of basidiomycetes declined significantly more in treated plots (on average 26%) than in control plots (on average 13%) between seasons. Species richness of ascomycetes increased by 17% in control plots and decreased by 2% in treated plots. Total species richness was significantly reduced on fine woody debris (1–10 cm in diameter), but not on coarse woody debris (>10 cm). Overall species composition did not change significantly as a result of partial cutting, but red-listed species tended to decrease more in treated plots. We suggest that approximately 30% of the stands should not be thinned, and dead stems and fallen branches should not be removed, to favor saproxylic fungi and their associated fauna.

Ice storm damage to eastern Ontario forests: 1998–2001

2003 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Hopkin ◽  
Tim Williams ◽  
Robert Sajan ◽  
John Pedlar ◽  
Cathy Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
Populus Tremuloides ◽  
Acer Saccharum ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Forest Health ◽  
Permanent Plots ◽  
Ice Storm ◽  
Storm Damage ◽  
White Birch ◽  
Eastern Ontario

Following the 1998 ice storm, tree mortality and crown damage were monitored on permanent plots across eastern Ontario from 1998 until 2001. Conifer species were less damaged than hardwoods. Hardwood tree species showing the greatest crown damage included aspen, (Populus tremuloides), basswood (Tilia americana), and white birch (Betula papyrifera); major species showing the least damage included sugar maple (Acer saccharum), red oak (Quercus rubra) and hickory (Carya spp.). Generally, smaller diameter trees showed less damage than larger diameter trees. Significant mortality was recorded to silver maple (Acer saccharinum), basswood, ash (Fraxinus spp.) and aspen in 1998, although mortality in 2000 and 2001 was about 1–2%. Trees sustaining > 75% crown damage usually died by 2001. Key words: ice storm, ice damage, forest health

Distribution and abundance of coarse woody debris in a managed forest landscape of the central Appalachians

1994 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 1317-1329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian C. McCarthy ◽  
Ronald R. Bailey
Keyword(s):  
Coarse Woody Debris ◽  
Forest Floor ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
Stem Density ◽  
Moderate Amount ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Central Appalachians ◽  
Management Regime ◽  
Commercial Thinning

Coarse woody debris (CWD) is integral to the functioning and productivity of forested ecosystems. Standing snags and large logs on the forest floor affect soil processes, soil fertility, hydrology, and wildlife microhabitat. Few data are available pertaining to the distribution and abundance of CWD in the managed hardwood forests of the central Appalachians. We surveyed 11 stands, at various stages of development (succession) after clear-cutting (<2, 15–25, 65–90, >100 years old), to evaluate the density, volume, and biomass of trees, snags, and logs under the local forest management regime. As expected, density, volume, and biomass of CWD (stems ≥2.5 cm diameter) were greatest in young stands (<2 years old) immediately following clear-cutting; the vast majority of CWD existed as relatively labile, small-diameter, low decay state logging slash. Young stands retained a few large logs in advanced decay states but observations suggest that these elements were often disturbed (i.e., crushed) by logging equipment during the harvest process. Crushed logs do not function ecologically in the same capacity as large intact logs. A marked decline in CWD was observed in young pole stands (15–25 years old) as slash decomposed. These stands were characterized by a high density of young hardwood stump sprouts in the overstory while maintaining a moderate amount of CWD in middle size and decay states on the forest floor. More mature hardwood stands (65–90 years old) generally exhibited a decrease in live-stem density and an increase in basal area, accompanied by a slight increase in CWD. Commercial thinning presumably limits the contribution of large CWD to the forest floor. This was most clearly evident in the oldest stands (>100 years old) where large CWD was not widely observed. A striking feature across all stands was the near absence of logs in large size classes (>65 cm diameter) and a paucity of logs in mid to late decay stages. We discuss our data in the context of hardwood forest structure and management in the central Appalachians.

Coarse woody debris in old-growth temperate beech (Nothofagus) forests of New Zealand

1994 ◽  
Vol 24 (10) ◽  
pp. 1989-1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glenn H. Stewart ◽  
Larry E. Burrows
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Coarse Woody Debris ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Hardwood Forests ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Carbon And Nitrogen ◽  
Decay Sequence ◽  
Nothofagus Forests

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.

Photosynthetic and morphological responses of white birch, balsam poplar, and trembling aspen to freezing and artificial defoliation

Botany ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 91 (6) ◽  
pp. 343-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rongzhou Man ◽  
Pengxin Lu ◽  
Steve Colombo ◽  
Junlin Li ◽  
Qing-Lai Dang
Keyword(s):  
Populus Tremuloides ◽  
Betula Papyrifera ◽  
Populus Balsamifera ◽  
Trembling Aspen ◽  
White Birch ◽  
Continuous Growth ◽  
Balsam Poplar ◽  
Warming Climate ◽  
Morphological Responses ◽  
Spring Frosts

Comparative stress resistance of 1-year-old white birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.), balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera L.), and trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) seedlings was evaluated after exposure to freezing or defoliation. Photosynthesis in leaves surviving freezing (−5 °C) declined immediately after treatment, but nearly fully recovered within 3 weeks. Defoliation did not significantly increase photosynthesis in the remaining leaves. Refoliation occurred after freezing that killed terminal shoots and released current buds from apical dominance, while new leaves of larger size were produced through continuous growth of terminal shoots in 50% or 100% defoliation. Freezing and complete defoliation significantly reduced diameter and height growth in all species, whereas 50% defoliation did not affect growth. These results indicate some of the physiological and morphological responses to foliage loss in broadleaved boreal species that can help to maintain growth and productivity under a warming climate, which may result in more frequent damaging spring frosts and insect defoliation.

Coarse woody debris and forest floor respiration in an old-growth coniferous forest on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington, USA

1994 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 1811-1817 ◽  
Author(s):  
James L. Marra ◽  
Robert L. Edmonds
Keyword(s):  
Coarse Woody Debris ◽  
Forest Floor ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Large Diameter ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Western Hemlock ◽  
Respiration Rates ◽  
Decay Class ◽  
Class 1

Carbon dioxide evolution rates for downed logs (coarse woody debris) and the forest floor were measured in a temperate, old-growth rain forest in Olympic National Park, Washington, using the soda lime trap method. Measurements were taken every 4 weeks from October 22, 1991, to November 19, 1992. Respiration rates for Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) and western hemlock (Tsugaheterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.), logs were determined for decay classes 1–2, 3, and 5 in two diameter classes. Overall, western hemlock logs respired at a rate 35% higher (4.37 g CO2•m−2•day−1) than Douglas-fir logs (3.23 g CO2•m−2•day−1). Respiration rates for decay class 1–2 logs of both species were similar to decay class 5 logs (4.46 and 4.07 g CO2•m−2•day−1, respectively), but decay class 3 logs respired at a lower rate (3.23 g CO2•m−2•day−1). Seasonal patterns of respiration rates occurred, particularly for decay class 1 and 2 western hemlock logs where monthly averages ranged from a low of 2.67 g CO2•m−2•day−1 in February 1992 to a high of 8.30 g CO2•m−2•day−1 in September 1992. Rates for decay class 1–2 western hemlock logs were greater than those from the forest floor, which ranged from 3.42 to 7.13 g CO2•m−2•day−1. Respiration rates were depressed in late July and August compared with fall and spring owing to the summer drought characteristic of the Pacific Northwest. Large-diameter western hemlock logs in decay class 1–2 had higher respiration rates than small-diameter logs, whereas large-diameter decay class 3 western hemlock logs had lower respiration rates than small-diameter logs.

scholarly journals Substrate properties, forest structure and climate influences wood-inhabiting fungal diversity in broadleaved and mixed forests from Northeastern Romania

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. e021
Author(s):  
Ovidiu Copoț ◽  
Cătălin Tănase
Keyword(s):  
Snow Cover ◽  
Coarse Woody Debris ◽  
Fungal Diversity ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Aridity Index ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Mixed Forests ◽  
Fine Woody Debris ◽  
Precipitation Seasonality

Aim of the study: The main objective of this study was to find the factors which best explains the wood-inhabiting fungal species’ richness in beech and oak-dominated forests.Area of study: We focused on broadleaved and mixed forests found in Northeastern Romania.Materials and methods: 59 plots were randomly set up in broadleaved and mixed forest stands, in which vegetation structure, composition, and topoclimatic factors were quantified along with wood-inhabiting fungal richness. Generalized linear models were used to characterize relationship between fungal diversity and biotic and abiotic factors.Main results: 374 taxa were identified, with numerous species found to cohabitate, the highest sharing being between Fine Woody Debris and Downed Coarse Woody Debris. The best predictors of total diversity were related to the substrate, management, stand structure, and macroclimate. Higher volumes of logs and large branches in various decay stages increased fungal richness. The same effect was found in diverse forests, with large snags. Macroclimate and topoclimate positively influenced diversity, through De Martonne Aridity Index and snow cover length, both indicating macrofungi preferences for higher moisture of substrate. Silvicultural interventions had an ambivalent effect to fungal diversity, phenomenon observed through stump numbers and proportion.Research highlights: Particular environmental characteristics proved significantly important in explaining different wood-inhabiting fungal richness patterns. Substrate-related variables were the most common ones found, but they were closely linked to climate and forest stand variables.Keywords: Wood-inhabiting fungi; oak, beech and coniferous forests; substrate diversity; dead wood types; coarse woody debris; fine woody debris; climatic variables.Abbreviations used:ALT, elevation; ASPI, Aspect Index; BIO1, mean annual temperature; BIO4, temperature seasonality; BIO7, annual temperature range; BIO12, annual precipitation; BIO15, precipitation seasonality; CWD, coarse woody debris; DBH, diameter at breast height; DCWD, downed coarse woody debris; DCWD_DECAY, DCWD decay diversity; DCWD_DIV, DCWD taxonomic diversity; DCWD_SV, surface-volume ratio of DCWD; DCWD_VOL, DCWD volume; DMAI, De Martonne Aridity Index; DMAI_AU, Autumn DMAI; DMAI_SP, Spring DMAI; DMAI_SU, Summer DMAI; DMAI_WI, Winter DMAI; FAI, Forestry Aridity Index; FWD, fine woody debris; L_SNAG_BA, large snag basal area; OLD_BA, basal area of old trees; POI, Positive Openness Index; RAI, Recent Activity Index; SCL, snow cover length; SLOPE, slope; SNAG_N, snag density; STUMP_N, stump density; TPI, Topographic Position Index; TREE_BA, mean basal area of trees; TREE_DIV, tree' Shannon diversity.

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