Deadwood volume and quality in recreational forests: the case study of the Belgrade forest (Turkey)

Abstract

Aim of the study: The aim of this study is to understand quantitative and qualitative characteristics of deadwood in recreational forests. Area of study: Belgrade forest in the North of Istanbul city (Turkey). Material and methods: The data has been collected through a stratified sampling scheme that has randomly located 50 clusters formed by 3 sample plots each (150 sample plots). Main results: The results show an average deadwood volume of 16.49 m3 ha-1 (81.5% in logs, 16.4% in snags, 2.1% in stumps). The highest volume of deadwood is in oldest forests (age over 180 years) with an average value of 20.39 m3 ha-1, followed by forests with 61-120 years with 15.77 m3 ha-1. Concerning forest management objectives, the results show that average deadwood volume is 13.66 m3 ha-1 in the forest section managed for water resource conservation and 21.14 m3 ha-1 in the forest section managed for recreational purposes. Research highlights: Deadwood management in the recreational forests must consider both biodiversity conservation and recreational attractiveness of an area. Keywords: forest management; forest types; forest accessibility; stand age; wood decomposition rate.