An experimental approach to quantify the contribution of invertebrates to the decay of dead wood in New Zealand plantations

Authors: S.M. Pawson, A. Sky
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2009, Issue N.Z.J.For. 54(1) 2009, pp 45-47, May 2009
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Dead wood represents a significant store of carbon and other nutrients, and has important structural and functional roles in forest ecosystems (Harmon et al. 1986). Understanding the accumulation and decay rates of such coarse woody debris is crucial when quantifying changes in ecosystem carbon and nutrient storage (Beets et al. 1999). In addition to its carbon storage capacities, dead wood provides significant habitat and resources for native fauna and flora (Buchanan et al. 1999, Allen et al. 2000). Those species that are dependant on coarse woody debris to complete their life-cycle are termed saproxylic. Saproxylic is a broad term that includes a range of functional guilds, such as wood-eaters (xylophages), predators, fungivores, and detritivores(Grove 2002b). Internationally there has been significant research on the diversity and conservation requirements of saproxylic invertebrate species in managed forest ecosystems, particularly in Europe and North America (Grove 2002a, b, Vanderwel et al. 2006, McGeoch et al. 2007, Langor et al. 2008). This work has led to management recommendations stipulating the quantity of dead wood and high-cut stumps required to preserve saproxylic communities and ensure a sustainably managed forest landscape (Lindhe et al. 2004, Lindhe and Lindelow 2004, Lindbladh et al. 2007). In New Zealand preliminary guidelines have been developed to benchmark the required levels of dead wood in managed indigenous forests to average values derived from the national Carbon Monitoring System (Richardson et al. 2008).

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