Open AccessShort communication: Variation of deadwood density by decay class in Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirbel) Franco) stands in Italy
Author(s) -
Alessandro Casagli,
Isabella De Meo,
Andrea Alfano,
Claudia Becagli,
Alessandro Orlandini,
Alessandro Paletto
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
forest systems
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.455
H-Index - 25
eISSN - 2171-9845
pISSN - 2171-5068
DOI - 10.5424/fs/2022312-19186
Subject(s) - douglas fir , basal area , environmental science , forestry , moisture , water content , mathematics , national forest , zoology , horticulture , geography , atmospheric sciences , biology , physics , meteorology , geology , geotechnical engineering
Aim of the study: To estimate fresh and basic density values of Douglas fir deadwood for the five decay classes used in the National Forest Inventories (NFIs).
Area of study: Rincine forest in Tuscany region (Italy).
Material and methods: 140 samples of Douglas fir deadwood (28 for each decay class; 14 of which were collected in summer and 14 in winter) were collected and analysed in the laboratory. The samples were weighed fresh, then placed in the oven for 3 days at 60°C. Afterwards the samples were weighed dried. The laboratory data were used to estimate moisture content (%), fresh and basic density by decay class.
Main results: The results showed that the trend of basal density decreased from 1st to 5th decay class (0.43 g cm-3, 0.39 g cm-3, 0.37 g cm-3, 0.29 g cm-3 and 0.20 g cm-3). An average basic density of 0.34 g cm-3 could be used in future studies concerning the estimation of C-stock in Douglas fir deadwood.
Research highlights: The moisture content of all decay classes of lying deadwood is influenced by the season (winter vs. summer) and consistent with the local climate regime.