Impact of Windblow on the Structure and Phytomass of Siberian Pine and Birch Forests of the Central Sikhote-Alin

A catastrophic windblow event in 2016, unprecedented in the history of the Sikhote-Alin Reserve, led to significant reductions in phytomass and structural integrity of Siberian pine (cedar) and birch forests. The study found that the windblow decreased the average stock of stone pine forests by 46% (from 552 to 298 m³ ha⁻¹) and birch forests by 35% (from 253 to 163 m³ ha⁻¹). Biomass stocks for cedar and birch forests dropped by 44% and 35%, respectively, with a maximum carbon capacity of 150 t C ha⁻¹ identified for stone pine forests. The research analyzed data from permanent test plots (PTPs) before and after the windblow, spanning 8–18 years, using regional allometric equations to determine aboveground phytomass. Spruce, fir, and cedar were found to be less resistant to windblow, while maples, Amur linden, and larch exhibited higher resilience.

Ivanov, A. V., Salo, M. A., Bondarchuk, S. N., Zamolodchikov, D. G., Mogileva, A. V., & Kochkarina, N. A. (2022). Impact of Windblow on the Structure and Phytomass of Siberian Pine and Birch Forests of the Central Sikhote-Alin. Contemporary Problems of Ecology, 15(7), 831–839. https://doi.org/10.1134/s1995425522070101