PREDICTING THE DECOMPOSITION OF SCOTS PINE, NORWAY SPRUCE, AND BIRCH STEMS IN FINLAND

摘要: Models were developed for predicting the decomposition of dead wood main tree species in Finland, based on data collected from long-term thinning experiments southern and central Finland. The rates strongly related to number years after death. In contrast previous studies, which have used first-order exponential model, we found that rate was not constant. Therefore, Gompertz Chapman-Richard's functions fitted data. slow initial period mainly due fact most trees remained standing as snags their followed by a rapid and, finally, moderately decomposition. Birch stems decomposed more rapidly than Scots pine Norway spruce stems. Decomposition somewhat lower those pine. Because carbon concentration decaying boles relatively stable (about 50%) loss follows mass loss. also probability remains snag. During first death, high. Thereafter, it decreased rapidly, decrease being faster birch Almost all had fallen down within 40 spruce, hard belonged decay class 1. birch, higher proportion advanced classes. models provide framework dynamics managed well dense unthinned stands. can be incorporated into forest management planning systems, thereby facilitating estimates dynamics.