Effects of Beech Bark Disease on Aboveground Biomass and Species Composition in a Mature Northern Hardwood Forest, 1985 to 2000

2003 ◽  
Vol 130 (2) ◽  
pp. 70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jodi A. Forrester ◽  
Gregory G. McGee ◽  
Myron J. Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Aboveground Biomass ◽  
Hardwood Forest ◽  
Northern Hardwood Forest ◽  
Beech Bark Disease ◽  
Northern Hardwood

Effects of an intense ice storm on the structure of a northern hardwood forest

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (10) ◽  
pp. 1763-1775 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne G Rhoads ◽  
Steven P Hamburg ◽  
Timothy J Fahey ◽  
Thomas G Siccama ◽  
Elizabeth N Hane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hardwood Forest ◽  
Forest Damage ◽  
Northern Hardwood Forest ◽  
Betula Alleghaniensis ◽  
Regression Equations ◽  
Ice Storm ◽  
Beech Bark Disease ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Advance Regeneration

A major ice storm in January 1998 provided an opportunity to study the effects of a rare, intense disturbance on the structure of the northern hardwood forest canopy. Canopy damage was assessed using visual damage classes within watersheds of different ages at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (HBEF) and changes in leaf area index in two of these watersheds. Ice thickness was measured, and ice loads of trees were estimated using regression equations. In the 60- to 120-year-old forests (mean basal area 26 m2·ha–1), damage was greatest in trees >30 cm diameter at breast height and at elevations above 600 m. Of the dominant tree species, beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) was the most damaged, sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) was the most resistant, and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britt.) was intermediate. Trees with advanced beech bark disease experienced heavier ice damage. Little damage occurred in the 14-year-old forest, while the 24- to 28-year-old forest experienced intense damage. In the young stands of this forest, damage was greatest between 600 and 750 m, in trees on steep slopes and near streams, and among pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica L.). Recovery of the canopy was tracked over three growing seasons, and root growth was monitored 1 year after the storm. Because of the high density of advance regeneration from beech bark disease and root sprouting potential in ice-damaged beech, HBEF will likely see an increase in beech abundance in older forests as a result of the storm. There will also be a more rapid change from pioneer species to mature northern hardwoods in the younger forests. These predictions illustrate the ability of rare disturbances to increase heterogeneity of forest structure and composition in this ecosystem, especially through interactions with other disturbances.

Validating allometric estimates of aboveground living biomass and nutrient contents of a northern hardwood forest

2001 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary A Arthur ◽  
Steven P Hamburg ◽  
Thomas G Siccama
Keyword(s):  
Aboveground Biomass ◽  
Forest Biomass ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Hardwood Forest ◽  
Northern Hardwood Forest ◽  
Tree Biomass ◽  
Nutrient Contents ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Direct Measurements ◽  
Tree Component

Accurate estimates of tree biomass and nutrient content are essential to the development of budgets for forest ecosystems. Aboveground biomass is typically estimated using allometric equations; nutrient content is calculated by multiplying elemental concentrations times the weight of each tree component. Allometric projections have seldom been compared with direct measurements; yet, such comparisons are necessary to assess the accuracy of forest biomass and nutrient estimates. For three 0.25-ha northern hardwood forest plots we compared allometric estimates with direct measurements of aboveground tree biomass and nutrients. Trees on each plot were skidded to a landing where they were chipped or removed whole. Chip vans and log trucks with material from each plot were weighed and subsampled for moisture and nutrient contents. The allometric and measured estimates of aboveground biomass did not differ significantly. Nutrient contents estimated using allometry were not significantly different from direct measurements for Ca, Mg, P, Mn, and Zn but underestimated K (24%), N (16%), and Fe (70%). The allometric approach proved accurate for estimating aboveground biomass; nutrient estimates were less consistent, requiring validation before they can be used with confidence. The direct measurements provide an estimate of uncertainty in biomass and nutrient contents.

Earthworms, litter and soil carbon in a northern hardwood forest

2012 ◽  
Vol 114 (1-3) ◽  
pp. 269-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy J. Fahey ◽  
Joseph B. Yavitt ◽  
Ruth E. Sherman ◽  
John C. Maerz ◽  
Peter M. Groffman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Carbon ◽  
Hardwood Forest ◽  
Northern Hardwood Forest ◽  
Northern Hardwood
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