A comparative study of deadwood quantity, structure and management : in urban, production, and natural beech forest landscapes in Skåne

Sammanfattning

Deadwood is an important structural component of forest ecosystems and supports biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and ecological processes. However, its quantity and characteristics vary across forest types due to differences in management and landscape use. This study examines standing and downed deadwood in three beech forest types in Skåne, Sweden: an urban forest (Pildammsparken), a production forest (Fulltofta), and a natural forest (Söderåsen). Field data were collected using a full inventory for standing deadwood and line-intersect sampling for downed deadwood. Measurements included diameter, decay class, and number of deadwood pieces. Basal area (m²/ha) was calculated for standing deadwood, and volume (m³/ha) was estimated for downed deadwood. Results showed relatively small differences in the number of downed deadwood pieces across the sites, but clearer differences in diameter, decay stages, and estimated volume. Pildammsparken had larger diameters and the highest volume, influenced by a few large logs. Söderåsen showed greater variation in decay classes and the highest basal area, indicating higher structural diversity. Fulltofta showed intermediate characteristics. The findings highlight that deadwood structure is as important as quantity. From a landscape perspective, forest management should balance ecological functions with safety and recreational needs.