Stocks and dynamics of soil organic carbon and coarse woody debris in three managed and unmanaged temperate forests

The effect of forest conservation on the organic carbon (C) stock of temperate forest soils is hardly investigated. Coarse woody debris (CWD) represents an important C reservoir in unmanaged forests and potential source of C input to soils. Here, we compared aboveground CWD and soil C stocks at the stand level of three unmanaged and three adjacent managed forests in different geological and climatic regions of Bavaria, Germany. CWD accumulated over 40–100 years and yielded C stocks of 11 Mg C ha^?1 in the unmanaged spruce forest and 23 and 30 Mg C ha^?1 in the two unmanaged beech–oak forests. C stocks of the organic layer were smaller in the beech–oak forests (8 and 19 Mg C ha^?1) and greater in the spruce forest (36 Mg C ha^?1) than the C stock of CWD. Elevated aboveground CWD stocks did not coincide with greater C stocks in the organic layers and the mineral soils of the unmanaged forests. However, radiocarbon signatures of the O _e and O _a horizons differed among unmanaged and managed beech–oak forests. We attributed these differences to partly faster turnover of organic C, stimulated by greater CWD input in the unmanaged forest. Alternatively, the slower turnover of organic C in the managed forests resulted from lower litter quality following thinning or different tree species composition. Radiocarbon signatures of water-extractable dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from the top mineral soils point to CWD as potent DOC source. Our results suggest that 40–100 years of forest protection is too short to generate significant changes in C stocks and radiocarbon signatures of forest soils at the stand level.     

Optimal seed water content and storage temperature for preservation of Populus nigra L. germplasm

Context

Black poplar (Populus nigra L.) is an alluvial forest tree species whose genetic pool is decreasing in Europe. Poplar trees produce short-lived seeds that do not store well.

Aim

The feasibility of seed storage in conventional and cryogenic conditions after their desiccation from water content (WC) of 0.15 to 0.07 g H₂O g^?1 dry mass (g g^?1) was investigated.

Methods

Seed germinability was evaluated (seeds with a radicle and green cotyledons were counted) after storage of seeds for a period of 3 to 24 months at different temperatures: 20°, 10°, 3°, ?3°, ?10°, ?20° or ?196°C.

Results

Seeds desiccated to a 0.07 g g^?1 WC can be stored successfully at ?10 °C and ?20 °C for at least 2 years. A significant decrease in germination was observed only after 12 months of seed storage (WC 0.15 g g^?1) at temperatures above 0 °C. We demonstrated that both fresh (0.15 g g^?1 WC) and desiccated (0.07 g g^?1 WC) seeds can be preserved at ?196 °C for at least 2 years.

Conclusions

Seed storage temperature and time of storage were statistically significant factors affecting seed storability. The presented data provide a foundation for the successful gene banking of P. nigra seeds.     

Carbon storage in biomass,litter, and soil of different plantations in a semiarid temperate region of northwest China

? Context

A large area of abandoned land in the semiarid temperate region of China has been converted into plantations over the past decades. However, little information is available about the ecosystem C storage in different plantations.

? Aim and methods

Our objective was to estimate the C storage in biomass, litter, and soil of four different plantations (monospecific stands of Larix gmelinii, Pinus tabuliformis, Picea crassifolia, and Populus simonii). Tree component biomass was estimated using allometric equations. The biomasses of understory vegetation and litter were determined by harvesting all the components. C fractions of plant, litter, and soil were measured.

? Results

The ecosystem C storage were as follows: Picea crassifolia (469 t C/ha)?>?Larix gmelinii (375 t C/ha), Populus simonii (330 t C/ha)?>?Pinus tabuliformis (281 t C/ha) (P?<?0.05), 59.5–91.1 % of which was in the soil. The highest tree and understory C storage were found in the plantation of Pinus tabuliformis (247 t/ha) and Larix gmelinii (1.2 t/ha) respectively. The difference in tree C fraction was significant among tree components (P?<?0.05), following the order: leaf?>?branch?>?trunk?>?root. The highest soil C (SC) was stored in Picea crassifolia plantation (411 t C/ha), while Populus simonii plantation had a higher SC sequestration rate than others.

? Conclusion

C storage and distribution varied among different plantation ecosystems. Coniferous forests had a higher live biomass and litter C storage. Broadleaf forests had considerable SC sequestration potential after 40 years establishment.     

Effect of selective logging on stand structure and tree species diversity in a subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest

?Context

Selective logging followed by natural regeneration is rarely employed for restocking subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests in East Asia compared with the use of clear-cutting.

?Aims

To clarify the succession of these forests, the effects of selective logging on stand structure, species diversity, and community similarity were studied in a mature and regenerating forest in Okinawa, Japan.

?Methods

Four study plots were established, and trees ≥1.2 m height were identified by species name, tree height, and diameter at breast height.

?Results

The results showed that the species composition of regenerating forest was similar to mature forest; however, the former had a greater species density and Shannon–Wiener index than the latter. Castanopsis sieboldii and Distylium racemosum, the predominant trees in the mature forest, continued to dominate the regenerating forest, with a broad layer distribution. High Sørensen and Jaccard community similarity indices for mature and regenerating forest indicated that the regeneration occurred in a progressive succession.

?Conclusion

The similar species composition and stand structure for both mature and regenerating forest, and the higher species diversity for the latter, provided no evidence of forest degeneration and suggested that the regenerating forest may develop into a stand similar to preselective logging forest.     

When tree rings behave like foam: moderate historical decrease in the mean ring density of common beech paralleling a strong historical growth increase

? Context

While historical increases in forest growth have been largely documented, investigations on historical wood density changes remain anecdotic. They suggest possible density decreases in softwoods and ring-porous hardwoods, but are lacking for diffuse-porous hardwoods.

? Aims

To evaluate the historical change in mean ring density of common beech, in a regional context where a ring-porous hardwood and a softwood have been studied, and assess the additional effect of past historical increases in radial growth (+50 % over 100 years), resulting from the existence of a positive ring size–density relationship in broadleaved species.

? Methods

Seventy-four trees in 28 stands were sampled in Northeastern France to accurately separate developmental stage and historical signals in ring attributes. First, the historical change in mean ring density at 1.30 m (X-ray microdensitometry) was estimated statistically, at constant developmental stage and ring width. The effect of past growth increases was then added to assess the net historical change in wood density.

? Results

A progressive centennial decrease in mean ring density of ?55 kg?m^?3 (?7.5 %) was identified (?10 % following the most recent decline). The centennial growth increase induced a maximum +25 kg?m^?3 increase in mean ring density, whose net variation thus remained negative (?30 kg?m^?3).

? Conclusions

This finding of a moderate but significant decrease in wood density that exceeds the effect of the positive growth change extends earlier reports obtained on other wood patterns in a same regional context and elsewhere. Despite their origin not being understood, such decreases hence form an issue for forest carbon accounting.     

C and N concentrations in different compartments of outgrown oak coppice forests under different site conditions in Central Italy

Context

Harvesting of Mediterranean oak coppice forests has been progressively suspended on a share of cover over the last decades. Positive growth trend in outgrown coppices no longer harvested on short rotations now drives natural forest restoration on wide areas, and it represents a potential carbon sink in view of global warming.

Aims

Our goals were to estimate carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content per compartment in two deciduous oak outgrown coppice forests, aged differently and growing under unequal site quality, to verify whether C concentration across compartments is in agreement with the conventional conversion rate of 0.5.

Methods

Ecosystem C and N pools were assessed by multiplying the whole coppice mass (combining specific allometric functions, root-to-shoot ratio, and soil sampling) by respective C and N concentrations.

Results

The results point out that the largest percentage of N was stored in 15-cm topsoil (84.06 and 73.34 % at the younger and older site, respectively), whereas the proportion of organic ecosystem C pool was more variable, as a consequence of the amount and allocation of phytomass. We found that, in most cases, C concentration was less than the conventional conversion rate of 0.5, especially in deadwood, O layer, and root compartments.

Conclusion

The findings provide further knowledge of C and N storage into these new built-up forest types and the evidence that a detailed analysis may get higher accuracy in the pools estimate, producing a more reliable outlook on dynamics and climate change mitigation ability of these systems.     

A generalized algebraic difference approach allows an improved estimation of aboveground biomass dynamics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cunninghamia lanceolata</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Castanopsis sclerophylla</Emphasis> forests

Key message

A generalized algebraic difference approach (GADA) developed in this study improved the estimation of aboveground biomass dynamics of Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook and Castanopsis sclerophylla (Lindl.) Schott forests. This could significantly improve the fieldwork efficiency for dynamic biomass estimation without repeated measurements.

Context

The estimation of biomass growth dynamics and stocks is a fundamental requirement for evaluating both the capability and potential of forest carbon sequestration. However, the biomass dynamics of Cunninghamia lanceolata and Castanopsis sclerophylla using the generalized algebraic difference approach (GADA) model has not been made to date.

Aims

This study aimed to quantify aboveground biomass (AGB, including stem, branch and leaf biomass) dynamics and AGB increment in C. lanceolata and C. sclerophylla forests by combining a GADA for diameter prediction with allometric biomass models.

Methods

A total of 12 plots for a C. lanceolata plantation and 11 plots for a C. sclerophylla forest were selected randomly from a 100 m × 100 m systematic grid placed over the study area. GADA model was developed based on tree ring data for each stand.

Results

GADA models performed well for diameter prediction and successfully predicted AGB dynamics for both stands. The mean AGB of the C. lanceolata stand ranged from 69.4 ± 7.7 Mg ha^?1 in 2010 to 102.5 ± 11.4 Mg ha^?1 in 2013, compared to 136.9 ± 7.0 Mg ha^?1 in 2010 to 154.8 ± 8.0 Mg ha^?1 in 2013 for C. sclerophylla. The stem was the main component of AGB stocks and production. Significantly higher production efficiency (stem production/leaf area index) and AGB increment was observed for C. lancolata compared to C. sclerophylla.

Conclusion

Dynamic GADA models could overcome the limitations posed by within-stand competition and limited biometric data, can be applied to study AGB dynamics and AGB increment, and contribute to improving our understanding of net primary production and carbon sequestration dynamics in forest ecosystems.

     

Carbon stock density in planted versus natural <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus massoniana</Emphasis> forests in sub-tropical China

Key message

Carbon stock density was quite similar in planted vs natural forest of Masson’s pine ( Pinus massoniana Lamb.) in China across three ages (7, 15, and 50 years). The stock in the standing trees was larger in planted than in natural forests, but this difference was compensated by larger stocks in the soil and the debris of natural forests.

Context

Most studies on the carbon stocks are focused on management strategies to maximize carbon stocks. We still lack data comparing planted vs natural conifer forests.

Aims

We compared carbon storage in the different compartment (vegetation, soil, debris) along a chronosequence of Masson’s pine plantations vs natural forests.

Methods

We investigated 58 Masson’s pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) forest stands (20 m?×?50 m plots), that differ in stand management (planted and natural forests) and age (young, middle-aged, and mature ages) and then calculated the carbon stock densities of vegetation biomass (tree, shrub, and herb), debris, and soil.

Results

The carbon stock densities in the planted and natural Masson’s pine forest ecosystems ranged from 78 to 210 Mg ha^?1 and from 97 to 177 Mg ha^?1 respectively. The carbon stock densities in the vegetation were significantly greater in planted forests than in natural forests. A lower carbon stock density in debris and soil alleviated the increase of biomass carbon stock densities in planted vs natural forests, leading to similar carbon stock densities at ecosystem level. The carbon stock densities in the vegetation increased with age, whereas those of debris and soil remained stable.

Conclusions

Planted forests of Masson’s pine sequester similiar amounts of carbon at ecosystem level to those in natural forests, reinforcing the idea that planted pine forests can contribute to the mitigation of greenhouse gas emission.

     

Summer drought and canopy opening increase the strength of the oak seedlings–shrub spatial association

? Context

The knowledge of how shrub–seedling interactions vary with summer drought, canopy opening, and tree species is crucial for adapting forest management to climate change.

? Aims

The aim of this study was to assess variation in shrub–oak recruitment associations along a south–north drought climate gradient and between two levels of canopy cover in coastal dune forest communities in a climate change-adapted forest management perspective.

? Material and methods

Mapped data of associational patterns of seedlings of three oak species with interspecific pooled shrubs were analyzed using a bivariate pair correlation function in 10 (0.315 ha) regeneration plots located in forest and recent gap sites along the climate gradient. An index of association strength was calculated in each plot and plotted against a summer moisture index.

? Results

The association strength increased with increasing summer drought from wet south to dry north and from closed forests to gaps.

? Conclusion

Consistent with facilitation theory, our results suggest that climate change may shift associational patterns in coastal dune forest communities towards more positive associations, in particular in canopy gaps. In a perspective of climate change, foresters may need to conserve understory shrubs in gaps in order to promote oak species regeneration.     

Variation in biomass expansion factors for China’s forests in relation to forest type, climate, and stand development

? Context

Biomass expansion factors (BEFs, defined as the ratios of tree component biomass (branch, leaf, aboveground section, root, and whole) to stem biomass) are important parameters for quantifying forest biomass and carbon stock. However, little information is available about possible causes of the variability in BEFs at large scales.

? Aims

We examined whether and how BEFs vary with forest types, climate (mean annual temperature, MAT; mean annual precipitation, MAP), and stand development (stand age and size) at the national scale for China.

? Method

Using our compiled biomass dataset, we calculated values for BEFs and explored their relationships to forest types, climate, and stand development.

? Results

BEFs varied greatly across forest types and functional groups. They were significantly related to climate and stand development (especially tree height). However, the relationships between BEFs and MAT and MAP were generally different in deciduous forests and evergreen forests, and BEF–climate relationships were weaker in deciduous forests than in evergreen forests and pine forests.

? Conclusion

To reduce uncertainties induced by BEFs in estimates of forest biomass and carbon stock, values for BEFs should be applied for a specified forest, and BEF functions with influencing factors (e.g., tree height and climate) should be developed as predictor variables for the specified forest.     

Carbon stock changes of forest land in Finland under different levels of wood use and climate change

Context

Prediction of the effect of harvests and climate change (CC) on the changes in carbon stock of forests is necessary both for CC mitigation and adaptation purposes.

Aims

We assessed the impact of roundwood and fuelwood removals and climate change (CC) on the changes in carbon stock of Finnish forests during 2007–2042. We considered three harvest scenarios: two based on the recent projections of roundwood and fuelwood demand, and the third reflecting the maximum sustainable cutting level. We applied two climate scenarios: the climate was in the state that prevailed around year 2006, or it changed according to the IPCC SRES A1B scenario.

Methods

We combined the large-scale forestry model MELA with the soil carbon model Yasso07 for mineral soils. For soils of drained, forested peatlands, we used a method based on emission factors.

Results

The stock change of trees accounted for approximately 80 % of the total stock change. Trees and mineral soils acted as carbon sinks and the drained peatland soils as a carbon source. The forest carbon sink increased clearly in both of the demand-based scenarios, reaching the level of 13–20 Tg C/year (without CC). The planned increase in the use of bioenergy reduced the forest sink by 2.6 Tg C/year. CC increased the forest carbon sink in 2042 by 38 %–58 % depending on the scenario. CC decreased the sink of mineral soils in the initial years of the simulations; after 2030, the effect was slightly positive. CC increased the emissions from the drained peatland soils.

Conclusions

It is likely that forest land in Finland acts as a carbon sink in the future. The changes in carbon stocks of trees, mineral soils, and peatland soils respond differently to CC and fuelwood and roundwood harvests.     

Carbon isotopic signature of CO2 emitted by plant compartments and soil in two temperate deciduous forests

? Context

The carbon isotope composition of the CO₂ efflux (δ¹³C_E) from ecosystem components is widely used to investigate carbon cycles and budgets at different ecosystem scales. δ¹³C_E, was considered constant but is now known to vary along seasons. The seasonal variations have rarely been compared among different ecosystem components.

? Aims

We aimed to characterise simultaneously the seasonal dynamics of δ¹³C_E in different compartments of two temperate broadleaved forest ecosystems.

? Methods

Using manual chambers and isotope ratio mass spectrometry, we recorded simultaneously δ¹³C_E and δ¹³C of organic matter in sun leaves, current-year twigs, trunk bases and soil in an oak and a beech forest during 1 year.

? Results

In the two forests, δ¹³C_E displayed a larger variability in the tree components than in the soil. During the leafy period, a pronounced vertical zonation of δ¹³C_E was observed between the top (sun leaves and twigs with higher values) and bottom (trunk and soil with lower values) of the ecosystem. No correlation was found between δ¹³C_E and δ¹³C of organic matter. Causes for these seasonal variations and the vertical zonation in isotope signature are discussed.

? Conclusion

Our study shows clear differences in values as well as seasonal dynamics of δ¹³C_E among different components in the two ecosystems. The temporal and local variation of δ¹³C_E cannot be inferred from organic matter signature or CO₂ emission rates.     

Managing coppice forests for rockfall protection: lessons from modeling

? Context

One eighth of Europe’s forests are still managed as coppice. In some European countries, more than half of the forest exhibits coppice structures from the past or present coppice management. Many of these forests grow in the broadleaf zone of mountainous regions, often on steep slopes. Here, they play an important role in rockfall protection. However, it remains unclear how coppice forests should be structured for optimal rockfall protection or how the protection effect changes during the aging of the coppice.

? Aim

A few studies have applied rock trajectory analyses, but so far, no process-based model has been used to quantify the protective effect of differently structured coppice forests. The present study compared 40 coppice patches from two chronosequences in South Tyrol, North Italy, regarding their protective effect against rocks of two sizes using the rockfall simulation model Rockyfor3D.

? Results

The results indicate that coppice stands older than 30 years better protect against rockfall than medium-aged and young stands, although the old ones have lower stem densities. Surprisingly, a random stem distribution had a better protective effect than the clumped stem distribution typical for coppice stands.

? Conclusion

Implications for future management are discussed in detail, including the relevance of standards in coppice forests.     

Effect of nutrient removal on radial growth of Pinus sylvestris and Quercus petraea in Southern Germany

? Context

The rising demand of energy wood for heating purposes in Germany leads to concerns regarding the overexploitation of forests. A major aspect is the impact of whole-tree harvesting on long-term productivity of forest soils.

? Aims

This study aimed to analyze the effects of nutrient removal on productivity using the historically prevalent practice of litter raking. Since there is a lack of controlled whole-tree harvesting experiments in Germany, we used litter raking as a surrogate management practice entailing the removal of nutrients from forest stands.

? Methods

We used three sites with documented litter raking to analyze the effects of nutrient removal on productivity using dendroecological methods: two recent litter removal experiments in two Scots pine stands (Siegenburg and Burglengenfeld) and one oak stand (Eichhall) with documented historic litter raking. Basal area increment (BAI) and tree-ring characteristics were compared between periods with litter raking and the preceding periods for both treatment and control plots.

? Results

For the two Scots pine sites with a relatively short litter raking period, no effects of litter raking on BAI could be ascribed to nutrient removal. On the oak site with a longer history of litter utilization, the loss in BAI due to litter raking amounts to 22 % during the period with active raking and to still 17 % in the recovery period.

? Conclusions

These results contribute to the still very limited understanding about the impact of whole-tree harvesting on forest productivity in Germany by laying down an upper limit of possible effects due to nutrient removal, as nutrient loss by litter raking tends to be higher than nutrient loss by whole-tree harvesting.     

Low soil temperatures increase carbon reserves in Picea mariana and Pinus contorta

? Context

Soil temperature can limit tree growth and function, but it is often unaddressed in understanding the successional status of trees.

? Aims

We tested how soil temperature affected carbon allocation strategies of two dominant co-occurring boreal conifer species, Pinus contorta and Picea mariana.

? Methods

We measured nonstructural carbon (NSC) concentrations, biomass, and photosynthesis of dormant and actively growing 2-year-old seedlings in response to three soil temperatures (5, 10, and 20 °C) under a common ambient air temperature.

? Results

For both species, variation in carbon reserves with soil temperature was more pronounced following seedling growth than during dormancy. For both species and all organ types (roots, needles, and stems), NSC concentrations were highest when seedlings were grown at 5 than 20 °C. Mass adjusted for NSC content was negatively correlated with NSC concentration for all organ types of both species. Soil temperature had a marginally significant effect on photosynthesis of pine; seedlings grown at 10 or 20 °C acquired more carbon than seedlings grown at 5 °C. Spruce seedlings photosynthesized more when grown at 20 °C than at 5 or 10 °C.

? Conclusion

Interspecific differences in allocation of carbon may underlie the responses of P. mariana and P. contorta to cold soils and consequently their successional status.     

Uneven-aged management options to promote forest resilience for climate change adaptation: effects of group selection and harvesting intensity

Context

Climate change is expected to increase forest vulnerability through disturbances such as windstorms and droughts. Forest managers are therefore investigating strategies to increase forest resistance and resilience, especially by promoting uneven-aged and mixed forests through group selection, and by reducing stand stocking and large trees proportion. However, there is little information on the long-term impacts of these two practices.

Aims

The objectives of this study were (1) to develop an original silviculture algorithm designed for uneven-aged management and (2) to use it to assess the effects of the above-mentioned management methods in long-term simulations.

Methods

We simulated individual and group selection techniques in order to study the effects of group size, harvesting intensity and their interactions on wood production, stand heterogeneity, and regeneration in mountain spruce–fir forests. We used the spatially explicit individual-based forest model Samsara2 to simulate forest dynamics.

Results

Our simulation results confirmed the positive effect of group selection practices on structure diversity and regeneration but not on spruce maintenance. Increasing harvesting intensity enabled forest destocking but decreased structure diversity and led to non-sustained yields for the most intensive scenarios.

Conclusion

As adaptation measure, we thus recommend moderate group selection harvesting creating 500 m² gaps.     

Responses of labile soil organic carbon and enzyme activity in mineral soils to forest conversion in the subtropics

Aims

Globally, extensive areas of native forest have been almost replaced by plantations to meet the demands for timber, fuel material and other forest products. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of forest conversion on labile soil organic C (SOC), soil respiration, and enzyme activity, and to quantify their relationship in subtropical forest ecosystems.

Methods

Surface mineral soil (0–20 cm) was collected from a Cunninghamia lanceolata Hook. plantation, Pinus massoniana Lamb. plantation, Michelia macclurei Dandy plantation, and an undisturbed native broadleaf forest. Soil microbial biomass C, dissolved organic C, permanganate-oxidizable C, basal respiration, and six enzyme activities were investigated.

Results

Soil microbial biomass C was higher by 45.9 % in native broadleaf forest than that in M. macclurei Dandy plantation. The ratio of soil microbial biomass C to total SOC was 27.6 % higher in the M. macclurei Dandy plantation than in the native broadleaf forest. The soil respiration increased by 25.2 % and 21.7 % after conversion from native broadleaf forest to P. massoniana Lamb. and M. macclurei Dandy plantations respectively. The effects of forest conversion on the soil enzyme activities differed among the tree species. Soil microbial biomass C had higher correlation with soil respiration than with the other SOC fractions. Moreover, soil microbial biomass C was positively correlated with urease and negatively correlated with cellulase activity. Soil respiration had higher correlation with soil microbial biomass C, dissolved organic C and permanganate-oxidizable C.

Conclusion

Forest conversion affected the soil microbial biomass C, soil respiration, invertase, cellulase, urease, catalase, acid phosphatase, and polyphenol oxidase activities, but their response depended on tree species. Soil respiration was mainly controlled by labile SOC, not by total SOC.     

US strategy for forest management adaptation to climate change: building a framework for decision making

Context

Recent policy changes in the USA direct agencies managing federal forests to analyze the potential effects of climate change on forest productivity, water resource protection, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, and other values.

Aims

This paper describes methods developed to (1) assess current risks, vulnerabilities, and gaps in knowledge; (2) engage internal agency resources and external partners in the development of options and solutions; and (3) manage forest resources for resilience, not just in terms of natural ecosystems but in affected human communities as well.

Methods

We describe an approach designed to characterize certain climate change effects on forests, and estimate the effectiveness of response options ranging from resistance to a realignment of management objectives.

Results

Field testing on a 6,300 km² area of conifer forest in the northwestern USA shows this decision model to be useful and cost-effective in identifying the highest sensitivities relating to vegetation management, biological diversity, water resources and forest transportation systems, and building consensus for adaptive strategies and actions.

Conclusions

Results suggest that this approach is an effective means for guiding management decisions to adapt to the effects of climate change, and provides an empirical basis for setting budgetary and management priorities.     

Litterfall,decomposition and nutrient release of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Shorea robusta</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tectona grandis</Emphasis> in a sub-tropical forest of West Bengal,Eastern India

We studied leaf litter fall, decomposition and nutrient release patterns of Shorea robusta and Tectona grandis by using a litter bag technique to better understand the release pattern of nutrients to soil from leaf litter. Annual litterfall varied from 13.40 ± 2.56 t ha^?1 a^?1 for S. robusta to 11.03 ± 3.72 t ha^?1 a^?1 for T. grandis and the decay constant (k) of decomposed leaf litter was distinctly higher for T. grandis (2.70 ± 0.50 a^?1) compared to S. robusta (2.41 ± 0.30 a^?1). Biomass loss was positively correlated with the initial litter C, WSC, C/N and ash content in S. robusta and N, P and K concentration for T. grandis. Biomass was negatively correlated with lignin and L/N ratio for S. robusta and L, WSC, L/N and C/N ratio for T. grandis (P < 0.01). Nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and nutrient accumulation index (NAI) of S. robusta was higher than for T. grandis. The retranslocation of bioelements from senescent leaves ranked as P > N > K. Annual N, P and K input to soil through litterfall differed significantly between the two species in the following order: N>K>P. S. robusta was superior in terms of K and P return and T. grandis was superior in terms of N return. The two tree species showed a similar patterns of nutrient release (K > P > N) during decomposition of their leaf litter. Nutrients of N, K and P were the primary limiting nutrients returned to soil through litterfall with important roles in soil fertility and forest productivity.     

Analysis and management of stand dynamics of Vietnamese dipterocarp forests by applying a dynamic growth model

Context

The dipterocarp forests in the Central Highland of Vietnam are threatened by overharvesting. In addition, wildfires frequently affect their dynamics. Sustainable management of this unique forest type is of important concern.

Aims

This study aims at providing a first set of operational information for forest management with a model-based approach. Specifically, we (a) evaluate selected cutting regimes with focus on maximum sustainable yield, (b) explore transformation times from a given to a desired forest state, and (c) preliminarily assess wildfire effects on yield.

Methods

A size class model was developed as a tool to address these issues. Various diameter distributions defined by the q factor concept were used as possible desired equilibrium states to be assessed.

Results

Maximum yields were estimated between 3.9 and 2.7?m³?ha^?1?year^?1, depending on site quality. Based on data from overharvested stands, time for reaching desired equilibria ranged between 20 and 60?years. In stands with frequent severe wildfires, the long-term yield may decrease by 40%.

Conclusions

Our results suggest the model being an effective tool for simulating effects of treatment alternatives. We conclude that, despite a poor information basis, it is necessary to develop and refine such models for supporting sustainable forest management in Vietnam.