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.

Effect of small-scale forest management on fungivorous Coleoptera in old-growth forest fragments in southeastern Ontario, Canada

2007 ◽  
Vol 139 (1) ◽  
pp. 118-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca M. Zeran ◽  
Robert S. Anderson ◽  
Terry A. Wheeler
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Coarse Woody Debris ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Hardwood Forests ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Forest Types ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Old Growth Forest ◽  
Species Analysis

AbstractFungivorous Coleoptera were sampled from old-growth and managed (selectively logged in 1999) hemlock–hardwood forests in southeastern Ontario to examine the effect of small-scale forest management on fungivore diversity in forest fragments. Sampling using flight-intercept traps and trunk-window traps for 22 weeks in 2003 yielded 11 888 beetles representing 73 species in 11 target families (Anthribidae, Cerylonidae, Endomychidae, Erotylidae, Leiodidae, Mycetophagidae, Scaphidiidae, Sphindidae, Tenebrionidae, Trogossitidae, and Zopheridae). The leiodid subfamily Leiodinae was the dominant taxon (10 386 individuals, 38 species). While old-growth stands had no recent logging and had higher volumes of coarse woody debris, species diversity and composition of fungivorous Coleoptera were similar between forest types, suggesting that the stand differences measured (recent logging history, volume of coarse woody debris) did not have a significant effect on beetle diversity in this study. Indicator species analysis showed that Triplax macra LeConte (Erotylidae) was strongly associated with old-growth stands, while Anisotoma blanchardi (Horn), Anogdus obsoletus (Melsheimer), Agathidium sp. 1 (Leiodidae), and Mycetina perpulchra (Newman) (Endomychidae) were associated with managed stands. The lack of difference observed between stand types may be related to the small size of the forest fragments or the relatively small scale of the disturbance.

Cavity trees and coarse woody debris in old-growth and managed northern hardwood forests in Wisconsin and Michigan

1998 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 427-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
John M Goodburn ◽  
Craig G Lorimer
Keyword(s):  
Coarse Woody Debris ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Large Diameter ◽  
Hardwood Forests ◽  
Northern Hardwoods ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Northern Hardwood Forests ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Tree Retention ◽  
Cavity Tree

The effects of uneven-aged management on the availability of coarse woody debris habitat were examined in northern hardwood forests (with and without a hemlock component) in north-central Wisconsin and adjacent western Upper Michigan. Snags, cavity trees, fallen wood, and recent tip-up mounds in 15 managed uneven-aged (selection) stands were compared with levels in 10 old-growth stands and six unmanaged even-aged second-growth stands. Amounts of coarse woody debris in selection stands were generally intermediate between old-growth and even-aged stands. Density of snags >30 cm DBH in northern hardwood selection stands averaged 12/ha, approximately double that found in even-aged northern hardwoods, but only 54% of the level in old-growth northern hardwoods. Highest densities of snags >30 cm DBH occurred in old-growth hemlock-hardwood stands, averaging over 40 snags/ha. For combined forest types, the volume of fallen wood (>10 cm in diameter) was significantly lower in selection stands (60 m3/ha) and even-aged stands (25 m3/ha) than in old-growth stands (99 m3/ha). Volume differences were even more pronounced for large-diameter debris (>40 cm). Cavity tree density in selection stands averaged 11 trees/ha, 65% of the mean number in old-growth stands. Densities of snags (>30 cm DBH) and large-diameter cavity trees (>45 cm) present in selection stands exceeded current guidelines for wildlife tree retention on public forests.

Dynamics of dead wood in old-growth hemlock–hardwood forests of northern Wisconsin and northern Michigan

1994 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 1672-1683 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy E. Tyrrell ◽  
Thomas R. Crow
Keyword(s):  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Dead Wood ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Exponential Model ◽  
Decay Rates ◽  
Permanent Plots ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Northern Michigan

We studied the dynamics of coarse woody debris (logs and snags) in old-growth forests by estimating rates of tree mortality, snag change, and log decay in hemlock–hardwood stands located in northern Wisconsin and northern Michigan. To estimate mortality and snag changes, we recensused live trees and dead snags in permanent plots in 15 stands. We also recorded recent mortality along transects, and noted category of mortality (standing death, breakage, or uprooting) for gap-maker trees and logs in 25 stands. Decay rates were estimated from a simple exponential model of wood density from log sections against the age of the wood since tree death, and from ages of trees growing on decaying "nurse" logs. From data obtained in permanent plots, annual tree mortality averaged 0.9% original basal area, 0.9% original live tree density, and 4.8 trees/ha. Of the three categories of tree mortality, standing death accounted for 62% of all mortality, while breakage represented 25%, and uprooting, 13%. Based on origin of logs, species composition affected category of mortality. Eastern hemlock (Tsugacanadensis (L.) Carr.) was significantly more prone to uprooting while yellow birch (Betulaalleghaniensis Britton) and paper birch (Betulapapyrifera Marsh.) were less prone to uprooting than expected if independence of species and categories of mortality were assumed (χ2 = 216.5, df = 14, p < 0.001). Changes in snags (fragmentation to shorter snags or collapse at the base) occurred for <7% of the original snags annually. Fragmentation occurred for 2.1 snags/(ha × year), and collapse for 1.3 snags/(ha × year). We estimated that it takes nearly 200 years for hemlock logs to lose structural integrity and become partially incorporated into the soil. At >350 years, the two oldest hemlock–hardwood stands had accumulated volumes of logs >65 m3/ha distributed among all decay classes, and appeared to be at a dead wood equilibrium in which rates of log production from mortality balance rates of wood loss by decay.

Comparison of structural and compositional characteristics in old-growth and mature, managed hardwood forests of Minnesota, U.S.A.

1999 ◽  
Vol 29 (10) ◽  
pp. 1479-1489 ◽  
Author(s):  
C M Hale ◽  
J Pastor ◽  
K A Rusterholz
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Coarse Woody Debris ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Hardwood Forests ◽  
Plant Species Composition ◽  
Managed Forests ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Old Growth Forests

Extended rotation of managed temperate hardwood forests is sometimes presumed to provide the important compositional and structural features of old-growth hardwood forests. However, the features of temperate hardwood old-growth and managed stands of extended rotation age have not been fully quantified and compared. This study compared quantitative parameters (density and volume of logs and snags, coarse woody debris volume (volume of logs + volume of snags), the proportion of hollow logs, basal area and tree, sapling, large seedling and small seedling densities), distributional patterns (diameter class and rot class of live trees, decay class of logs), and vascular plant species composition and diversity in old-growth and mature, managed sugar maple (Acer saccharum L.) - basswood (Tilia americana L.) and northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) stands. Old-growth forests had higher coarse woody debris volumes and higher proportions of hollow logs, of live trees in large diameter classes, of logs in decay classes 1 and 2, and of live trees in rot classes 3-5 than the mature, managed forests. Old-growth and mature, managed forests did not differ significantly in plant species composition. These results indicate that, while older extended-rotation, managed stands can be very similar compositionally to old-growth forests, they differ quantitatively in structural features.

The contribution of beech bark disease-induced mortality to coarse woody debris loads in northern hardwood stands of Adirondack Park, New York, U.S.A.

2000 ◽  
Vol 30 (9) ◽  
pp. 1453-1462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory G McGee
Keyword(s):  
Coarse Woody Debris ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Hardwood Forests ◽  
Fagus Grandifolia ◽  
Beech Bark Disease ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Northern Hardwood Forests ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Live Tree

The objective of this study was to adjust previously published estimates of coarse woody debris (CWD) volume and basal areas in northern hardwood forests to account for elevated CWD inputs due to beech bark disease (a disease complex of the scale insect, Cryptococcus fagisuga Lindinger, and a fungus, Nectria spp., on American beech, Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.). Ratios of snags/live tree densities and downed CWD volume/live tree basal area were compared between beech and the codominant, shade-tolerant sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.). The differences between the beech and the sugar maple ratios were used to define the elevated mortality from beech bark disease. Estimated volumes of downed CWD (stumps [Formula: see text] 1.0 m tall and logs), adjusted for effects of beech bark disease, were 108 ± 18 and 48 ± 11 m3·ha-1in old-growth and even-aged, 90- to 100-year-old maturing stands, respectively, representing reductions of 22 and 21%, respectively, compared with observed volumes. Similarly, snag densities were adjusted from 59.7 ± 21.7 to 41.1 ± 26.3 per hectare in the old-growth stands and from 96.3 ± 48.0 to 87.3 ± 46.5 per hectare in the maturing stands. Snag basal areas were reduced 21 and 17% from their observed values to 6.8 ± 3.5 and 3.5 ± 0.6 m2·ha-1in the old-growth and maturing stands, respectively. The adjusted CWD estimates presented here are more historically accurate and ecologically meaningful than previous observations made in diseased northern hardwood forests and, therefore, provide more appropriate target levels for managing CWD in these forest types.

scholarly journals Assessing Coarse Woody Debris Nutrient Dynamics in Managed Northern Hardwood Forests Using a Matrix Transition Model

Ecosystems ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 541-554
Author(s):  
Adam Gorgolewski ◽  
Philip Rudz ◽  
Trevor Jones ◽  
Nathan Basiliko ◽  
John Caspersen
Keyword(s):  
Coarse Woody Debris ◽  
Nutrient Dynamics ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Hardwood Forests ◽  
Transition Model ◽  
Northern Hardwood Forests ◽  
Northern Hardwood

Source distances for coarse woody debris entering small streams in western Oregon and Washington

1990 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 326-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. H. McDade ◽  
F. J. Swanson ◽  
W. A. McKee ◽  
J. F. Franklin ◽  
J. Van Sickle
Keyword(s):  
Coarse Woody Debris ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Mature Trees ◽  
Third Order ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Channel Size ◽  
Side Slope ◽  
Stream Bank ◽  
Small Streams ◽  
Study Sites

Coarse woody debris from streamside forests plays important biological and physical roles in stream ecosystems. The distance from stream bank to rooting site was determined for at least 30 fallen trees at each study site on 39 streams in the Cascade and Coast ranges of Oregon and Washington. The study sites varied in channel size (first- through third-order), side-slope steepness (3 to 40°), and age of surrounding forest (mature or old-growth stands). The distribution of distances from rooting site to bank was similar among streams, with 11% of the total number of debris pieces originating within 1 m of the channel and over 70% originating within 20 m. Stands with taller trees (old-growth conifers) contributed coarse woody debris to streams from greater distances than did stands with shorter (mature) trees.

Basidiomycete decay fungi within stems of Nothofagus windfalls in a Southern Hemisphere beech forest

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (7) ◽  
pp. 1897-1910 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. A. Hood ◽  
P. N. Beets ◽  
J. F. Gardner ◽  
M. O. Kimberley ◽  
M. W.P. Power ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Southern Hemisphere ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Coarse Woody Debris ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Beech Forest ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Decay Fungi ◽  
Mean Diameter

Fungi were isolated to determine the predominant decomposer species active in the coarse woody debris in a beech forest in the central North Island of New Zealand. Basidiomycetes were obtained in 55% of 4569 isolation attempts from discs cut from six trees each of Nothofagus fusca (Hook. F.) Oerst. and Nothofagus menziesii (Hook. F.) Oerst. uprooted during a storm 24 years earlier. Percentage yields varied significantly among trees but not between tree species. However, for N. fusca, basidiomycetes were obtained less frequently from stems of greater mean diameter. In total, 96% of basidiomycete isolates were composed of 18 species, the most abundant being Armillaria novae-zelandiae (G. Stev.) Herink, mainly present in the outer 12 cm, and Ganoderma cf. applanatum sensu Wakef. and Cyclomyces tabacinus (Mont.) Pat., which penetrated more deeply. These fungi were distributed along the stems as somatically incompatible colonies reaching lengths of 11, 2, and 3 m for each species, respectively; those of G. cf. applanatum were separated by brown pseudosclerotial plates. Fruiting of these species was significantly associated with isolation of cultures and, for G. cf. applanatum and C. tabacinus, provided a reliable guide to stem colonization. Basidiomycete diversity in the Nothofagus stems was greater than in two podocarp species in an earlier study. Data from this investigation are being used to assess how decay fungi, together with other factors, influence rates of decomposition of indigenous coarse woody debris.

scholarly journals Coarse woody debris in the old-growth forests of British Columbia

2003 ◽  
Vol 11 (S1) ◽  
pp. S135-S157 ◽  
Author(s):  
M C Feller
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Coarse Woody Debris ◽  
Functional Role ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Forest Age ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Old Growth Forests

This paper synthesizes data extracted from the literature and data collected in various studies by the author on the quantity, characteristics, and functional importance of coarse woody debris (CWD) in the old-growth forests of British Columbia (B.C.). There is little agreement in the literature about the minimum diameter of CWD or the number of decay classes recognized. In western North America, five decay classes are commonly used, but recent studies suggest fewer decay classes are preferable. Comparisons among decay classes and biogeoclimatic zones and subzones in B.C. reveal that quantities and volumes are greatest (up to approximately 60 kg/m2 and approximately 1800 m3/ha, respectively), and CWD persists the longest (sometimes in excess of 1000 years) in the Coastal Western Hemlock (CWH) biogeoclimatic zone. The quantity and ground cover of CWD increase with forest productivity. Persistence of CWD has varied from less than 100 to over 800 years in two coastal (CWH and Mountain Hemlock (MH)) and three interior (Interior Douglas-fir (IDF), Interior Cedar–Hemlock (ICH), and Engelmann Spruce – Subalpine Fir (ESSF)) biogeoclimatic zones. Trends in CWD quantity with forest age in managed coastal B.C. forests suggest a U-shaped curve, with greater quantities occurring in recent cutovers than in old-growth forests, and lowest quantities occurring in middle-aged forests. This may be the normal trend in CWD with forest age, with departures from this trend resulting from disturbance- or environment-specific factors. Relatively large amounts of data exist on the characteristics of CWD in the CWH, IDF, ICH, ESSF, and Boreal White and Black Spruce (BWBS) biogeoclimatic zones, but such data for the Coastal Douglas-fir, Sub-Boreal Pine–Spruce, Sub-Boreal Spruce (SBS), and Spruce–Willow–Birch biogeoclimatic zones appear relatively sparse. There have been few studies of the functional role of CWD in B.C. forests, but those studies that have been completed indicate that CWD is an important habitat component for some plant and animal species. A total of 169 plant species, including >95% of all lichens and liverworts, were found to grow on CWD in old-growth forests in the CWH, MH, IDF, ICH, and ESSF biogeoclimatic zones. One third of these species were restricted to CWD. Studies in several biogeoclimatic zones have found that CWD provided preferred habitat for and was associated with higher populations of some small animal species, such as shrews, some voles, and some salamanders, in old-growth forests, but the effects varied with species and biogeoclimatic zone. The nutrient cycling role of CWD is not yet well known, but it currently appears to be relatively insignificant in B.C. old-growth forests. Although it has been considered that CWD could increase mineral soil acidification and eluviation, no evidence for this was found in a study of the CWH, MH, IDF, ICH, ESSF, BWBS, and SBS biogeoclimatic zones. Future studies of the functional role of CWD should consider both scale (square metre vs. hectare) and temporal (changes in CWD with forest age) issues, as studies including these are sparse and both may be important. Key words: biogeoclimatic zones, British Columbia, coarse woody debris, old-growth forests.

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