Mitigation Potential of UK Forests

I am currently a week into my data collection in Stoke Woods. The aim of my project is to calculate the above and below-ground biomass of three mixed broadleaf stands varying in ages (1862, 1916 and 1979).

The data collection involves different techniques to estimate the 4 main sub components (above-ground tree biomass, litter layer, coarse woody debris and soil organic carbon) in order to estimate the total biomass for each stand.

Three plots (25m x 25m) have been set up in each stand using a compass and type measure. Each corner has been marked with a pole and attached with barrier type to easily distinguish between what trees are in and out of the plot.

Once the plots were set up, I began measuring the Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) for trees equal and greater than 10cm, marking each tree with a tag number. However due to the dominance of younger trees, I have also measured the DBH between 5-10cm in each plot to allow for further comparison of age and species. The 4 dominant species within each plot are Beech, Sycamore, Holly and Ash.

The next sub component to measure was the coarse woody debris (CWD). All fallen and standing coarse woody debris equal or greater than 5cm diameter within the plot boundaries were measured and classified into decomposition classes. For fallen CWD, the length and diameters at both ends were measured.

Next week, I will begin to measure the litter layer (0.5m x 0.5m) and take soil samples (0-10cm, 10-20cm, 20-30cm). Once I have collected this data, I will be able to begin estimating the biomass for each subcomponent and add these together to calculate the total biomass for each stand.