Volume calculations of coarse woody debris; evaluation of coarse woody debris volume calculations and consequences for coarse woody debris volume estimates in forest reserves

Dead wood is recognized as one of the key indicators for sustainable forest management and biodiversity. Accurate assessments of dead wood volume are thus necessary. In this study New volume models were designed based on actual volume measurements of coarse woody debris. The New generic model accurately estimated volumes for all encountered tree parts (whole trees, stems, branches), is based on diameter and length only, and thus generally applicable for most studies. Therefore this New generic dbh-based coarse woody debris volume model was selected as the most appropriate one. Consequences for coarse woody debris volume estimates of forest reserves vary. Total dead wood volume can even be much larger when fine woody debris, dead wood attached to living trees and tree stumps are included.