Deadwood structure and decomposition dynamics in a long-term protected temperate forest under long-term management influence
Plant Biosystems, cilt.160, sa.5, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 160 Sayı: 5
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s44473-026-00255-w
- Dergi Adı: Plant Biosystems
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Environment Index, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biological Science Database (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Belgrade forest, Coarse woody debris, Deadwood dynamics, Decomposition continuity, Forest conservation, Temperate forest
- İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa Adresli: Evet
Özet
Coarse deadwood (CDW) is a fundamental structural component of temperate forest ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, habitat continuity, nutrient cycling, and decomposition dynamics. This study evaluated CDW volume, structural composition, and decay-stage distribution in a historically protected yet continuously managed temperate forest to examine whether long-term legal protection is associated with the maintenance of decomposition continuity and structural heterogeneity under persistent anthropogenic influence. The study was conducted in the Belgrade Forest (Istanbul), a historically protected water-supply forest subjected to silvicultural interventions for centuries and sanitation-oriented management. Coarse deadwood components (diameter ≥ 10 cm; length ≥ 1 m) were inventoried in 33 systematically distributed sample plots. Standing deadwood (snags) and downed deadwood (logs) were classified into structural and decay categories. Volumes were estimated using species-specific allometric equations and decay-stage-adjusted volume models. Structural differences among deadwood variables were analyzed using Mann–Whitney U tests. Mean total CDW volume was 4.24 ± 2.20 m3/ha, whereas mean living tree volume reached 74.13 ± 19.97 m3/ha, corresponding to a low CDW/LT ratio of 5.72%. Standing deadwood constituted 63.25% of total CDW volume and was strongly dominated by early decay-stage components. In contrast, advanced decay classes remained extremely limited. Non-parametric analyses revealed significant differences among major deadwood categories (P = 0.001–0.011). The findings indicate a simplified deadwood structure, reduced decomposition continuity, and limited late-stage decay habitats despite long-term legal protection. The results suggest that legal protection alone may not be sufficient under continuous management pressure to maintain structural heterogeneity and decomposition continuity without retention-oriented deadwood management practices.