Deadwood in the oak forests of the Left Bank Forest-steppe of Ukraine

Abstract

Deadwood is an important component of forest ecosystems, and difference in the deadwood carbon stock depends on many variables including forest management. The aim of our study was to determine the patterns of formation of deadwood stocks in oak (Quercus robur L.) forests in the Left Bank Forest-steppe of Ukraine. As an outcome of the research, the data on deadwood parameters were obtained. The growth characteristics and coarse woody debris (CWD) characteristics were measured on intensive monitoring and inventory plots. Assessment of morphometric parameters of the CWD in oak stands was carried out by measuring diameters at top and bottom cut and length; to determine the carbon content, deadwood density was used. The distribution of deadwood by tree species, sizes and stages of decomposition was defined. The stock of dead trees (snags) in oak forest is 15.2 m3/ha and that of logs is 21.5 m3/ha. The carbon accumulation in oak forest stands in the Left Bank Forest-steppe of Ukraine was 3.4 and 4.5 t C/ha in dead trees and logs, respectively. The dynamics of deadwood stocks according to the results of repeated observations was given.