Snag frequency, diameter and species distribution and input rate in Newfoundland boreal forests

• Published in: Forestry
• Main Authors: Moroni, M. T., Harris, D. D.
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press 2010
• Subjects: Articles; Snag; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://forestry.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/83/3/229; https://doi.org/10.1093/forestry/cpp027

Dead-tree (snag) density (stems per hectare), diameter, species distribution and input rate were examined in Newfoundland boreal forests dominated by black spruce ( Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) and balsam fir ( Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.). Examinations were based on permanent sample plot data. Total snag densities were higher in fir than spruce and were densest in 40- to 59-year-old stands of both species. Densities of >9 cm diameter at breast height (d.b.h.; 1.3 m, hereafter all dimensions are dbh) snags and live trees and larger live and dead trees (>19 cm stems) were also higher in fir than spruce. Fir also generated more larger snags at a younger age than spruce. Precommercial thinning reduced snag densities, virtually eliminating >9 cm snags from 37- to 48-year-old forests. Disturbance regime had a minor impact on snag densities in >40-year-old forests. The annual rate of >9 cm snag production in >60-year-old forests was <1.6 and <1.2 per cent of live trees per year in fir and spruce, respectively. The annual rate of live >9 cm tree fall down in >60-year-old forests was <0.6 and <0.9 per cent in fir- and spruce-dominated forests, respectively.