Storages of Coarse Woody Debris in Pine Forests of Middle Taiga of Northwestern Russia (Case Study in Karelia)
Storages of coarse woody debris (CWD) were studied based on data of more than 250 sampling plots in pine forest of middle taiga. The CWD storages were found to vary from 0 to 190 m3 ha–1. They consequently increased from 23 m3 ha–1 in young-growth of the first age class (1–20 years old) to 66 m3 ha–1 in forests of eighth age class and older (more than 141 years). Statistically sound relationships between CDW storages and taxation indicators (age, stock, mean diameter and height, sum of basal areas etc.) were found. High correlations coefficients were found for relationships with age (0.86) and stock (0.89). Linkage between CDW storage and the share of the main specie in forest composition was not found. Dynamics of the number of trees and average volume of tree as well as changes in CDW structure (dead-standing/dead-down) were found. The results could be applied in assessment of CDW storages of pine forests of middle taiga. The most accurate method would be based on the relationship with stand stock.