Patterns of Riparian and In-stream Large Woody Debris Across a Chronosequence of Southern Appalachian Hardwood Stands

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The density and volume of riparian and in-stream large woody debris (LWD) is hypothesized to be a function of forest disturbance and developmental processes. However, these relationships are poorly understood for many forest types, including hardwood forests of the southern Appalachian Highlands. We analyzed patterns of riparian and in-stream LWD in hardwood stands across three establishment classes (pre-1900s, 1930s, and 1950s) on the Cumberland Plateau to elucidate the relationships between forest development and LWD patterns. The stands were dominated by Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, and Lirodendron tulipifera. Density and volume of riparian LWD did not differ across the chronosequence. Density of riparian LWD ranged from 367 (1950s) to 407 (1930s) pieces ha-1 and volume ranged from 142.0 (pre-1900s) to 187.1 (1930s) m3 ha-1. Likewise, mean density and volume of in-stream LWD did not differ across the chronosequence. Density of in-stream LWD ranged from 20 pieces 100 m-1 (pre-1900s and 195...