FOR891_sp10c dead wood

SP10c Woody debris dynamics in a subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest

Woody debris (WD) plays an important role in the several ecosystem functions of forests. It represents a significant carbon and nutrient pool, promotes biodiversity of wood-dwelling organisms, influences erosion and serves as a fuel for wildfire. In subproject 10 our German collaborators aim at studying woody debris dynamics in an subtropical evergreen broadleaved forest and its response to species diversity and habitat heterogeneity. In the second phase of the BEF China project, we will complement this effort by measuring the volume of woody debris as well as carbon and nutrient pools and fluxes in the main plots and the 24-ha forest dynamics plot in Gutianshan National Natural Reserve. We will (1) Set up subplots and transects to investigate coarse and fine woody debris over a period of three years to estimate woody debris dynamics and decomposition of CWD; (2) Conduct decomposition experiment to study decomposition particularly of FWD. (3) Collect and test the contents of C, N, and P of woody debris to estimate the carbon and nutrient pool; (4) Analyze the relationship between the volume of woody debris and topography factors, as well as species composition and diversity.

2011-04-02

2019-12-17