Decay dynamics of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) deadwood in mixed beech stands

Abstract

Due to their significance for carbon sequestration and ecosystem management, information on decay dynamic of deadwood and its total decay time are of great importance to ecologists and forest managers. This study was conducted in Kheirud forest of Nowshahr to study the decay process of beech and hornbeam deadwood. Therefore, 72 beech and hornbeam dead trees were randomly selected. For each sample tree, information on species, diameter, decay classes and slope gradient were recorded. The cubic cut samples with 5 cm length, width and height in two perpendicular aspects were taken from each decaying stump. 30 and 16 years of decaying time were shown to be needed for 95% dry mass of dead beech and hornbeam logs, respectively. In addition, the required periods for passing through all stages of decay for beech and hornbeam dead trees were 27 and 21 years, respectively. A strong relation (R2=0.8) between density and decay stage of dead trees was indicated. Therefore, the density of dead wood was concluded to significantly decline with increased decay stage in both species.

Keywords

• Deadwood
• decay grade
• decay time
• oriental beech
• hornbeam