Effects of forest management on the amount of deadwood in Mediterranean oak ecosystems

International audience& Context Deadwood is an important habitat for vertebrate and invertebrate species, a key factor in the nutrient cycle and a valuable carbon pool. Difference in the deadwood C stock depends on many variables such as forest type, microclimate and forest management. & Aims We investigated the relationship between C stock in deadwood and forest management in oak stands of southern Italy. & Methods Deadwood C stock was quantified in 74 forest stands under intensive, extensive or multifunctional manage-ment. The relationship between management and C stock in deadwood was assessed taking into account the decay class and the type of deadwood (snags, stumps and logs). & Results Intensively managed forests are characterized by significantly lower mean levels of deadwood C than the other forms of management. Multifunctional management resulted in the highest level of C, mainly in logs and snags, while extensive management resulted in high levels of C storage concentrated in snags. & Conclusion Results of the research highlight that forest management practices greatly influence the quantitative and qualitative presence of deadwood in forests