J. For. Sci., 2011, 57(1):8-15 | DOI: 10.17221/24/2010-JFS

Aboveground biomass of substitute tree species stand with respect to thinning - European larch (Larix decidua Mill.)

J. Novák, M. Slodičák, D. Dušek
Opočno Research Station, Forestry and Game Management Research Institute, Opočno, Czech Republic

This study is focused on substitute European larch stands in the Krušné hory Mts. (northern part of the Czech Republic). Research was conducted within larch thinning experiment Kalek (780 m a.s.l. in the category Piceeto-Fagetum oligo-mesotrophicum - Calamagrostis villosa). Results showed that the aboveground biomass of the investigated substitute unthinned larch stand represented approximately 102 thousand kg of dry matter per ha at the age of 20 years. Stemwood (ca 59%) is the most important part of the aboveground biomass. Needles, live and dead branches accounted approximately for 6%, 17% and 11%, respectively, and stem bark only for 7%. At the age of20 years, the investigated substitute unthinned larch stand accumulated: nitrogen - 307 kg, phosphorus - 21 kg, potassium - 136 kg, calcium - 122 kg, magnesium - 53 kg per hectare. Thinning with consequent removal of aboveground biomass may result in nutrient losses. Especially, the removal of whole tree biomass by thinning for chipping in areas previously degraded by acid deposition may result in calcium and magnesium deficiency because of their low content in forest soil. On the other hand, thinning supported faster growth of trees left after thinning and consequently faster biomass and nutrient accumulation. Our results supported the recommendation that the use of biomass from thinning for chipping should be limited to stemwood only and the remaining aboveground biomass (mainly needles and branches) should be left in the forest ecosystem for decomposition in conditions of the historically disturbed area of the Krušné hory Mts.

Keywords: aboveground biomass; European larch; Larix decidua Mill.; Krušné hory Mts.; substitute stands; thinning

Published: January 31, 2011  Show citation

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Novák J, Slodičák M, Dušek D. Aboveground biomass of substitute tree species stand with respect to thinning - European larch (Larix decidua Mill.). J. For. Sci. 2011;57(1):8-15. doi: 10.17221/24/2010-JFS.
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