%0 Research article
%T Temporal variability of deadwood volume and quality in boreal old-growth forests
%A Aakala, Tuomas
%D 2011
%J Silva Fennica
%V 45
%N 5
%R doi:10.14214/sf.81
%U https://silvafennica.fi/article/81
%X Reference deadwood volumes from natural forests for forest management  and restoration are often derived from one-time measurements or from  repeated measurements over short time-scales. Such an approach often  assumes an equilibrium state between tree mortality and decomposition,  which is questionable in many boreal forest ecosystems due to the  occurrence of allogenic disturbances. Using a simulation model based on  empirical estimates of tree mortality, disturbance chronologies and  models of wood decay class dynamics, this study aimed at characterizing  variability in the volume and quality of deadwood for the past 200  years. The variability of deadwood volumes in old-growth forests,  arising from differences in disturbance regimes and differing decay  rates, was exemplified in two areas of Picea abies-dominated forests in  northern Europe. The results imply that with stable deadwood input and  slow decay rates the deadwood volume may be in an equilibrium state. On  the contrary, if moderate-severity disturbances occur such a state seems  improbable. Both study areas displayed continuity in deadwood  availability, although temporary paucity in the early decay classes with  shortest residence times was also observed. The results stress the  importance of understanding the dynamic nature of deadwood in old-growth  forests, instead of the traditional view of deadwood as a static  ecosystem component.