Calibration and Uncertainty Analysis of a Carbon Accounting Model to Stem Wood Density and Partitioning of Biomass for Eucalyptus globulus and Pinus Radiata

There is a need to calibrate models for carbon accounting in forest systems if they are to be applied for carbon trading and off-set schemes. One such model, Full Carbon Accounting Model (FullCAM), calculates stem mass by taking annual inputs of tree growth in stem volume and multiplying these by basic stem wood density. Stem mass is then multiplied by user-entered coefficients to determine the mass of other tree components. Using datasets of Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus globulus that comprised of between 73 and 187 observations, we determined empirical relationships that can be used in FullCAM to relate basic stem wood density to stand age, and masses of bark, foliage or branches to mass of stem wood for these two species. All fitted relationships were highly significant (p < 0.001), explaining between 35 and 89% of the variance. These calibrations were then tested using three case studies where data on volume yield curves and repeated measures of biomass of stand components were available: one of P. radiata and two of E. globulus. Although accumulation of biomass in foliage and branches were not well predicted by the model, sensitivity analysis showed that this was relatively unimportant to total carbon storage because of the dominance of the stem, particularly once the stand is older than 5 years. Indeed, FullCAM accounted for 99% of the variance in measured above-ground biomass at all three sites because calibrations for the mass of stem was reasonably well constrained. Uncertainty analysis showed that despite the standard errors of parameters used in relationships for basic density and biomass partitioning, and for estimates of carbon contents of tree components, we can be 95% confident that sequestration of carbon in trees and debris of Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus globulus plantations are, on average, within 13% of that predicted by FullCAM. Ensis is a joint venture between CSIRO FFP P/L and Scion Australasia P/L     

An evaluation of the conical approximation as a generic model for estimating stem volume, biomass and nutrient content in young Eucalyptus plantations

Accurately and non-destructively quantifying the volume, mass or nutrient content of tree components is fundamental for assessing the impact of site, treatment, and climate on biomass, carbon sequestration, and nutrient uptake of a growing plantation. Typically, this has involved the application of allometric equations utilising diameter and height, but for accurate results, these equations are often specific to species, site, and silvicultural treatment. In this study, we assessed the value of incorporating a third piece of information: the height of diameter measurement. We derived a more general volume equation, based on the conical approximation, using a diameter projected to the base of the tree. Common equations were developed which allowed an accurate estimate of stem volume, dry weight and nutrient content across two key plantation grown eucalypt species, Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden and Eucalyptus globulus (Labill.). The conical model was developed with plantation-grown E. grandis trees ranging from 0.28 to 15.85 m in height (1.05 g to 80.3 kg stem wood dry weight), and E. globulus trees ranging from 0.10 to 34.4 m in height (stem wood dry weight from 0.48 g to 652 kg), grown under a range of contrasting cultural treatments, including spacing (E. grandis), site (E. globulus) and fertilization (nitrogen and phosphorus) for both species. With log transformed data the conical function (V_con) was closely related to stem sectional volume over bark and stem weight (R² = 0.996 and 0.990, respectively) for both E. grandis and E. globulus, and the same regressions can be applied to both species. Back transformed data compared with the original data yielded modelling efficiencies of 0.99 and 0.97, respectively. Relationships between V_con and bark dry weight differed for the two species, reflecting differing bark characteristics. Young trees with juvenile foliage had a different form of relationship to older trees with intermediate or adult foliage, the change of slope corresponding to heights about 1.5 m for E. grandis and age 1 year for E. globulus. The V_con model proved to be robust, and unlike conventional models, does not need additional parameters for estimating biomass under different cultural treatments. More than 99% of the statistical variance of the logarithm of biomass was accounted for in the model. V_con captures most of the change in stem taper associated with cultural treatments and some of the change in stem form that occurs after the crown base has lifted appreciably. Fertilization increased N and P concentrations in stem wood and bark, and regressions to estimate N and P contents (the products of biomass and concentration) were dependent on treatment. For instance, there was a large growth response to N fertilization in E. globulus corresponding with a change (P < 0.05) in the intercept of the regression to estimate N content.     

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Abstract

The volume of bark is a function of bark thickness and tree diameter, thus bark and tree volume calculations depend on accurate determination of bark thickness. Bark thickness is affected by a number of inherent and external factors. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors affecting bark thickness and to derive models predicting bark thickness for Picea orientalis (L.) Link. This study indicated that bark thickness at breast height was strongly correlated with geographical aspect, tree age and diameter classes, and bark thickness increased as tree age or diameter class increased in sunny or shady aspect. Diameter over bark at breast height explained 50% of the variations in double bark thickness at breast height on shady aspects and 68% of the variations in double bark thickness of P. orientalis at breast height on sunny aspects. By adding tree age to the functions, the coefficient of determination increased by 1–2%. Thus, not only tree ages and diameters, but also the aspect in which trees grow should be taken into account to calculate the amounts of wood and bark in P. orientalis.     

Integrated individual tree biomass simultaneous equations for two larch species in northeastern and northern China

Forest biomass estimation at large scale has become an important topic in the background of facing global climate change, and it is fundamental to develop individual tree biomass equations suitable for large-scale estimation. Based on the measured data of biomass components and stem volume from 100 sample trees of two larch species (Larix gmelinii and L. principis-rupprechtii) in northeastern and northern China, an integrated equation system including individual tree biomass equations, stem volume equation and height–diameter regression model were constructed using the dummy variable model and error-in-variable simultaneous equations. In the system, all the parameters of equations were estimated simultaneously, so that the aboveground biomass equation was compatible to stem volume equation and biomass conversion factor (B_CF) function; the belowground biomass equation was compatible to root-to-shoot ratio (R_SR) function; and stem wood, stem bark, branch and foliage biomass equations were additive to aboveground biomass equation. In addition, the system also ensured the compatibility between one- and two-variable models. The results showed that: (1) whether aboveground biomass equations or belowground biomass equations and stem volume equations, the estimates for larch in northeastern China were greater than those in northern China; (2) B_CF of a larch tree decreased with the growing diameter while R_SR increased with the growing diameter; (3) the proportion of stem wood biomass to aboveground biomass increased with the growing diameter while those of stem bark, branch, and foliage biomass decreased.     

A forest biomass yield table based on an empirical model

We report an empirical model for estimating unutilized wood biomass, and its application to Cryptomeria japonica D. Don and Larix kaempferi in Tohno City, Iwate Prefecture, northeast Japan. Outputs from the model are the quantity of unutilized wood biomass and merchantable volume produced by timber harvest. The unutilized wood biomass is divided into stumps, tops, branches, foliages, small trees, and unutilized stems due to their defects. Inputs to the model are mean diameter at breast height (DBH), mean tree height, trees per unit area, and timber utilization standards. DBH distribution, DBH–height curve, stem form, bark thickness, and relationship of stem biomass to foliage and branch biomass could be described by the proposed model, indicating its validity. The proposed model enables us to develop the forest biomass yield tables modified from the existing stem volume yield tables. The developed forest biomass yield tables indicated that the unutilized wood biomass due to defects accounted for the largest part of the whole unutilized wood biomass, and that the ratio of unutilized parts in stem volume to total stem volume could vary with stand age and site productivity class. Based on a comparison of the developed forest biomass yield tables with those reported previously, we concluded that the proposed model-based forest biomass yield table would be useful for estimating the quantity of unutilized wood biomass.     

异叶南洋杉人工林木材生材性质研究

为合理利用异叶南洋杉人工林木材,通过排水法、质量法和数值法对异叶南洋杉人工林的生材性质展开研究,结果表明,异叶南洋杉人工林木材树皮体积百分率、质量百分率、生材密度、基本密度和生材含水率的平均值分别为11.39%、13.78%、0.842 g/cm³、0.394 g/cm³和121.43%。随异叶南洋杉树高的增加,树皮体积百分率和质量百分率总体呈增大趋势;生材密度和基本密度总体呈下降趋势;生材含水率总体呈先升高后降低的趋势。以期为异叶南洋杉人工林木材的合理利用提供数据支持和理论支撑。     

A technique to identify annual growth rings in Eucalyptus grandis usingannual measurements of diameter at breast height and gamma raydensitometry

Many eucalypt species do not show distinct growth rings because cambial activity does not show a strong response to seasonal variation in climate. Eucalyptus grandis, one of the most important commercial hardwood species in South Africa, is one such example of a species that does not have well-defined growth rings. The light and dark bands visible on the cross-section of the wood of E. grandis do not always correspond with the growing season, which makes it difficult to resolve wood property data into annual increments. A method was developed to separate growth rings on wood density profiles of E. grandis into annual increments using bark-to-pith density profiles and annual measurements of diameter at breast height (DBH) from permanent sample plot (PSP) datasets. Using the PSP data, it was possible to assess the annual pattern of stem diameter growth at a compartment level by calculating the radial increment (RI) per year and expressing that value as a percentage of the radius at the end of the increment for that year. Mean radial increment percentage (%MRI) was calculated for each year and used to predict annual RI at an individual tree level. Predicted RI values for each tree were expressed as cumulative distances from the bark end and superimposed onto their respective density profiles. Predicted RI corresponded well with latewood density peaks and these separation points were considered a reliable guide to divide the density profile into annual increments closer to the bark end and into broader age classes closer to the pith. By assessing the pattern of variation in radial density within the context of the growth history of a compartment by means of annual PSP data, it was possible to confirm that growth rings on density profiles of E. grandis closer to the bark end can serve as a reliable representation of annual growth.     

Feasibility of Cordia trichotoma (Vell.) wood and its by-products for particleboard manufacturing

The wood panel industry uses a large volume of wood and it is essential to research the use of new tree species for these types of products. As such, the aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of Cordia trichotoma (Vell.) wood, both on its own and as a mixture with Pinus spp., as well as to understand the effect on particleboard quality when adding the species’ bark and shavings. The experimental design included nine treatments that assessed various mixture proportations of C. trichotoma and Pinus; for example, 10% bark, and 10% shavings of C. trichotoma with Pinus spp. and C. trichotoma particles, as well as mixtures of these two species in proportions of 25/75%, 50%/50%, and 75/25%. The results indicate that the Cordia trichotoma specie is technically feasible when manufacturing particleboards in pure form. The incorporation of bark (at 10% of the mixture) is also technically feasible. It is also feasible to use the shavings of C. trichotoma. In general, all treatments produced outputs that showed dimensional stability and mechanical strength statistically equal or higher than control treatments (Pinus spp.); thus, these products may be used for non-structural applications in dry and/or moist conditions.     

Variation in wood density and carbon content of tropical plantation tree species from Ghana

Most research on carbon content of trees has focused on temperate species, with less information existing for tropical trees and very little for tropical plantations. This study investigated factors affecting the carbon content of nineteen tropical plantation tree species of ages seven to twelve and compared carbon content of Khaya species from two ecozones in Ghana. For all sample trees, volume of the main stem, wood density, wood carbon (C) concentration and C content were determined. Estimated stem volume for the 12-year-old trees varied widely among species, from 0.01 to 1.04 m³, with main stem C content ranging from 3 to 205 kg. Wood density among species varied from 0.27 to 0.76 g cm^?3, with faster growing species exhibiting lower density. Significant differences in wood density also occurred with position along the main stem. Carbon concentration also differed among tree species, ranging from 458 to 498 g kg^?1. Differences among species in main stem C content largely reflected differences among species in estimated main stem volume, with values modified somewhat by wood density and C concentration. The use of species-specific wood density values was more important for ensuring accurate conversion of estimated stem volumes to C content than was the use of species-specific C concentrations. Significant differences in wood density did exist between Khaya species from the wet and moist semi-deciduous ecozones, suggesting climatic and site factors may also need to be considered. Wood densities for these plantation grown trees were lower than literature values reported for the same species in natural forests, suggesting that the application of data derived from natural forests could result in overestimation of the biomass and C content of trees of the same species grown in plantations.     

Estimating bark volumes for 16 native tree species on the Sierra Madre Occidental,Mexico

Abstract

The Sierra Madre Occidental ecoregion accommodates some of the richest biodiversity anywhere in North America and contains about two-thirds of the standing timber biomass in Mexico. Worldwide forest trees provide an industrial output of about 363 million cubic meters, with the volume of bark accounting for an estimated 10% of total tree volume, so that bark is a very important nonwoody product. In this study, the proportion of bark volume (PBV) and its correlation with selected tree characteristics as well as the relationship between total tree volume and wood volume (WV) and total volume and bark volume (BV) were calculated for the first time for the 16 common and commercially most important tree species in the temperate pine-oak forest region of El Salto (Durango) on the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico. Measurements were made on 2,027 felled trees. The PBV in the species investigated ranges from 0.129 to 0.260 depending on the species and genus, with a mean value of 0.175. BV and WV can be accurately estimated. The approach used in this study is simple and effective, and very user-friendly. The method is recommended for researchers wishing to develop bark models for other tree species.     

Genetic control of wood density and bark thickness,and their correlations with diameter,in pure and hybrid populations of Eucalyptus grandis and E. urophylla in South Africa

Tree diameter under and over bark at breast height (dbh), wood density and bark thickness were assessed on samples from control-pollinated families of Eucalyptus grandis, E. urophylla, E. grandis × E. urophylla and E. urophylla × E. grandis. The material was planted in field trials in the coastal Zululand region of South Africa. At 75 months, between three and seven of the best trees per family were felled and wood samples collected. Genetic parameters for wood density, bark thickness and bark percentage (ratio of double bark thickness to overbark diameter) and the inter-trait correlations for the different species and hybrids were calculated. Genetic parameter estimates for wood density, bark thickness and bark percentage in the E. urophylla × E. grandis hybrids showed these traits to be under total additive genetic control. This was confirmed by the intermediate hybrid means for these traits relative to those of the parental species. There was a very low correlation between dbh and wood density for the E. urophylla × E. grandis hybrids (r_G = –0.07 and r_P = 0.064). Amongst the E. urophylla families there was a moderate positive and significant phenotypic correlation between wood density and bark thickness (r_P = 0.391), and between wood density and bark percentage (r_P = 0.442).     

Impact of silviculture on dead wood and on the distribution and frequency of tree microhabitats in montane beech-fir forests of the Pyrenees

In forest ecosystems, the level of biodiversity is strongly linked to dead wood and tree microhabitats. To evaluate the influence of current forest management on the availability of dead wood and on the abundance and distribution of microhabitats, we studied the volume and diversity of dead wood objects and the distribution and frequency of cavities, dendrothelms, cracks, bark losses and sporophores of saproxylic fungi in montane beech-fir stands. We compared stands unmanaged for 50 or 100 years with continuously managed stands. A total of 1,204 live trees and 460 dead wood objects were observed. Total dead wood volume, snag volume and microhabitat diversity were lower in the managed stands, but the total number of microhabitats per ha was not significantly different between managed and unmanaged stands. Cavities were always the most frequent microhabitat and cracks the least frequent. Dendrothelm and bark loss were favored by management. Beech (Fagus sylvatica) carried many more microhabitats than silver fir (Abies alba), especially cavities, dendrothelms and bark losses. Fir very scarcely formed dendrothelms. Secondary tree species played an important role by providing cracks and bark losses. The proportion of microhabitat-bearing trees increased dramatically above circumference thresholds of 225 cm for beech and 215 cm for fir. Firs with a circumference of less than 135 cm did not carry microhabitats. In order to conserve microhabitat-providing trees and to increase the volume of dead wood in managed stands, we recommend conserving trees that finish their natural cycle over 10–20% of the surface area.     

Beech decline in Central Europe driven by the interaction between Phytophthora infections and climatic extremes

During the past decade, and in particular after the wet year 2002 and the dry year 2003, an increasing number of trees and stands of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in Bavaria were showing symptoms typical for Phytophthora diseases: increased transparency and crown dieback, small‐sized and often yellowish foliage, root and collar rot and aerial bleeding cankers up to stem heights of >20 m. Between 2003 and 2007 134 mature beech stands on a broad range of geological substrates were surveyed, and collar rot and aerial bleeding cankers were found in 116 (86.6%) stands. In most stands the majority of beech trees were declining and scattered or clustered mortality occurred. Bark and soil samples were taken from 314 trees in 112 stands, and 11 Phytophthora species were recovered from 253 trees (80.6%) in 104 stands (92.9%). The most frequent species were P. citricola, P. cambivora and P. cactorum. Primary Phytophthora lesions were soon infected by a series of secondary bark pathogens, including Nectria coccinea, and wood decay fungi. In addition, infected trees were often attacked by several bark and wood boring insects leading to rapid mortality. Bark necroses were examined for their probable age in order to determine whether the onset of the current Phytophthora epidemic was correlated to rainfall rates recorded at 22 Bavarian forest ecosystem monitoring stations. A small‐scale survey in nine Bavarian nurseries demonstrated regular infestations of all beech fields with the same range of Phytophthora species. The results indicate that (1) Phytophthora species are regularly associated with beech decline and may also be involved in the complex of ‘Beech Bark Disease’, (2) excessive rainfalls and droughts are triggering the disease, and (3) widespread Phytophthora infestations of nursery stock might endanger current and future silvicultural projects aiming on the replacement of non‐natural conifer stands by beech dominated mixed stands.     

Wood properties of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pericopsis mooniana</Emphasis> grown in a plantation in Indonesia

The relationships between growth characteristics and wood properties were investigated for a threatened species, Pericopsis mooniana, to promote the establishment of plantations of this species in the tropics. Growth characteristics (diameter and height) and stress-wave velocity (SWV) of trees were measured for 22-year-old P. mooniana trees planted in Indonesia. The trees were categorized into three groups, fast-growing, middle-growing, and slow-growing trees, to investigate the effect of growth rate on the wood properties. In addition, radial variation of anatomical characteristics and wood properties were determined. No significant correlation was found between growth characteristics and SWV. The values for the vessel diameter, cell wall thickness of wood fibers, wood fiber length, basic density, modulus of elasticity, and modulus of rupture from wood at the bark side were higher than those at the pith side. On the other hand, vessel frequency gradually decreased from pith to bark. These results suggested that low-quality wood, such as juvenile wood, existed near the pith area.     

Aboveground nutrient components of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and E. grandis in semiarid Brazil under the nature and the mycorrhizal inoculation conditions

A study was conducted to evaluate the aboveground biomass, nutrient content and the percentages of mycorrhizal colonization in Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Eucalyptus grandis plantations in the semiarid region (15° 09′ S 43° 49′ W) in the north of the State of Minas Gerais in Brazil. Results show that the total above-ground biomass (dry matter) was 33.6 Mg·ha⁻¹ for E. camaldulensis and 53.1 Mg·ha⁻¹ for E. grandis. The biomass of the stem wood, leaves, branches, and stem bark for E. camaldulensis accounted for 64.4%, 19.6%, 15.4%, and 0.6% of the total biomass, respectively (Table 2); meanwhile a similar partition of the total above-ground biomass was also found for E. grandis. The dry matter of leaves and branches of E. camaldulensis accounted for 35% of total biomass, and the contents of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S in leaves and branches accounted for 15.5%, 0.7%, 12.3%, 22.6%, 1.9%, and 1.4% of those in total above-ground biomass, respectively. In the trunk (bark and wood), nutrient accumulation in general was lower. Nutrient content of E. grandis presented little variation compared with that of E. camaldulensis. Wood localized in superior parts of trunk presented a higher concentration of P and bark contained significant amounts of nutrients, especially in E. grandis. This indicated that leaving vegetal waste is of importance on the site in reducing the loss of tree productivity in this semi-arid region. The two species showed mycotrophy.     

Stem and Crown Relations in Four Species from an Evermoist Forest in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The volume of a tree's crown represents the accumulated historic crown surfaces integrated over time and environmental conditions. As such the crown volume of a tree should be correlated to the stem diameter, which represents accumulated historic wood increment. This study examines the relationship between crown and stem metrics of four tree species, Macaranga peltata, Schumacheria castaneifolia, Shorea megistophylla, and Shorea trapezifolia, from an evermoist forest in southwestern Sri Lanka. Shorea megistophyllahad the highest correlation between crown volume and stem diameter of the four species (r² = 0.55). The addition of an inverted parabola, to represent historic crown surfaces not included by the current crown volume, improved correlations with stem diameter significantly, especially in the flat-topped pioneer species, Macaranga peltata. Schumacheria castaneifoliashowed poor correlations between stem and crown dimensions, suggesting that allocation to fruit and flower production may receive higher priority than diameter growth. The relative importance of current crown volume and cumulative crown volume in explaining variation in stem diameter offers insight into species life-history patterns.     

Genetic variation and relationships to growth traits for microfibril angle,wood density and modulus of elasticity in a Picea abies clonal trial in southern Sweden

Abstract

Genetic variation in wood density, microfibril angle (MFA), wood stiffness (MOE), height, diameter and volume was investigated in a 26-year-old Norway spruce [(Picea abies (L.) Karst.] clonal trial in southern Sweden. Wood quality measurements were performed on 10 mm increment cores using SilviScan. For MFA, mean values of annual rings showed the highest value (30°) at ring 2 counting from the pith, followed by a steep decrease and a gradual stabilization around ring 12 at approximately 14°. MOE showed a monotonic increase from 5 GPa to 14 GPa when moving from pith to bark. High broad-sense heritability values were found for wood density (0.48), MFA (0.41) and MOE (0.50). All growth traits displayed heritability values of similar magnitudes as reported in earlier studies. The generally high age–age correlations between different sections of the wood cores suggested that early selection for wood quality traits would be successful. Owing to unfavorable genetic correlations between volume and MOE, the correlated response indicated that selection for volume only at age 10 would result in a 0.27% decrease in weighted MOE at age 26 for every 1% increase in volume.     

Variation analysis and fine family selection on half-sib progenies from clonal seed orchard of Pinus massoniana

Variation of traits that include height, diameter at breast height (DBH), stem volume, crown width, straightness, wood basic density, tracheid length and width of open-pollinated progenies from clonal seed orchard of Pinus massoniana was analyzed. Differences in traits such as growth, tree form and wood quality among families was significant, which indicated that the improvement potential was notable. Heritability of height and wood basic density reached 0.691 and 0.640, respectively. According to a correlation analysis between traits, stem straightness could be improved indirectly when growth traits are improved; growth traits were significantly correlated with wood basic density; and wood basic density was not significantly correlated with length and width of the tracheid. Under the selection ratio of 10%, genetic gains were 19.74% and 19.32% respectively, and selected families from the progeny test stands at the age of five years and eight years were the same. Genetic correlation of height, DBH and stem volume was also significant at the level of 0.01. These show that selection of the short rotation of P. massoniana for pulp and paper use would be efficient for five-year-old trees. According to the comparison of the heritability of all the traits and taking into account the result of canonical correlation analysis, height could be considered as the most important index for selection. Given wood quality of all the families, and flowering and fruit settings of the clones in a seed orchard, twelve fine families were selected at 10% selection ratio of height growth and stem volume. Translated from Scientia Silvae Sinicae, 2005, 41(6): 43–49 [译自: 林业科学]     

Calorific values and ash contents of different parts of Masson pine trees in southern China

Calorific value of plants is an important parameter for evalu- ating and indexing material cycles and energy conversion in forest eco- systems. Based on mensuration data of 150 sample sets, we analyzed the calorific value （CV） and ash content （AC） of different parts of Masson pine （Pinus massoniana） trees in southern China using hypothesis testing and regression analysis. CV and AC of different tree parts were almost significantly different （P〈0.05）. In descending order, ash-free calorific value （AFCV） ranked as foliage 〉 branch 〉 stem bark 〉 root 〉 stem wood, and AC ranked as foliage 〉 stem bark 〉 root 〉 branch 〉 stem wood. CV and AC of stem wood from the top, middle and lower sections of trees differed significantly. CV increased from the top to the lower sections of the tnmk while AC decreased. Mean gross calorific value （GCV） and AFCV of aboveground parts were significantly higher than those of belowground parts （roots）. The mean GCV, AFCV and AC of a whole tree of Masson pine were 21.54 kJ/g, 21.74 kJ/g and 0.90%, re- spectively. CV and AC of different tree parts were, to some extent, cor- related with tree diameter, height and origin.     

Decomposition of stumps in a chronosequence after clear-felling vs. clear-felling with prescribed burning in a southern boreal forest in Finland

The wood bulk density, bark mass and decomposition rate constants of cut stumps of the main European boreal tree species were assessed along a 40-year chronosequence of clear-felled sites with and without prescribed burning. Using the single exponential model, the annual decomposition rate constants k of above-ground stumps were calculated as 0.048, 0.052 and 0.068 year⁻¹ for Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), Norway spruce (Picea abies) and birch (Betula sp.), respectively. Bark decomposed faster than wood and bark fragmentation increased the rate of decomposition. There was a significant negative effect of burning on decomposition rate for pine wood, and for pine and spruce bark but not for spruce and birch wood or for birch bark. The decomposition of bark of all species was slower with larger diameter stumps but only slightly slower in the case of birch wood. Our results suggest (i) using different decomposition rate constants for wood and bark, (ii) taking into account fragmentation as it greatly increases the volume loss, and (iii) adjusting of k in carbon dynamics studies on burned sites. Such refinements to estimates of coarse woody debris decomposition constants could aid in identification of ecosystems and management scenarios necessary to maximize carbon storage and conserve biodiversity. Prescribed burning for restoration purposes decreases decomposition rates and consequently ensures longer persistence of stumps for maintaining biodiversity in intensively managed forests.