Structure and Dynamics of Coarse Woody Debris Stocks in Middle-Taiga Bilberry Pine Forests

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the stocks of coarse woody debris (CWD) in bilberry pine forests in the southern part of the Republic of Karelia (the middle taiga subzone) and evaluate age-related changes in CWD abundance, stocks, and structure and reveal patterns in their dynamics. Analysis of data from 160 sample plots has shown that the amount of CWD decreases with age: on average, from 1525 (SE ± 12) pcs/ha in young stands to 805 (SE ± 13) pcs/ha in premature ones and 507 (SE ± 7) pcs/ha in overmature stands. On the contrary, the stocks of wood detritus increase from 21 (SE ± 2.6) m3/ha in young stands to 32 (SE ± 2.9) m3/ha in premature stands and 69 (SE ± 6.8) m3/ha in overmature stands. CWD stocks differ in the composition of components: with respect to the number of trunks, standing deadwood prevails in young and middle-aged stands, with the proportion of downed deadwood gradually increasing over time; with respect to the stock, downed deadwood prevails in all age groups except middle-aged stands. The degree of CWD decay gradually increases with stand aging.