Coarse woody debris quantity and distribution in central European streams

Summarized here are 10 investigations concerning the volume of coarse woody debris (CWD) in Central European streams. Altogether, 69 stream sections were examined, ranging from Northern German lowland streams to brooks in alpine regions. Most of the study streams are according to Central European st...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	International review of hydrobiology. 2000-01, Vol.85 (1), p.5-23
Main Authors:	Hering, D, Kail, J, Eckert, S, Gerhard, M, Meyer, E I, Mutz, M, Reich, M, Weiss, I
Format:	Article
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Freshwater
Online Access:	Request full text
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Summary:	Summarized here are 10 investigations concerning the volume of coarse woody debris (CWD) in Central European streams. Altogether, 69 stream sections were examined, ranging from Northern German lowland streams to brooks in alpine regions. Most of the study streams are according to Central European standards quasi-natural and are bordered by deciduous forest. The geometric mean of CWD volume related to stream length is 1.44 m super(3)/100 meter reach. Related to stream bottom area, the geometric mean of CWD volume is 0.202 m super(3)/100 m super(2). The mean number of logs ( greater than or equal to 10 cm diameter) is 12.5 logs/100 meter reach, and 3.01/100 m super(2) bottom area (geometric means). Regarding only quasi-natural stream sections (riparian forest currently unmanaged and no removal of CWD for at least 10 years), the geometric mean of CWD standing stock is 0.45 m super(3)/100 m super(2) for lowland streams, 0.38 m super(3)/100 m super(2) for streams in lower mountainous areas and 0.02 m super(3)/100 m super(2) for alpine flood-plains. From the distribution of size classes and comparison with other studies, it is likely that the current CWD standing stock is considerably less than the potential amount of CWD. For centuries all of the streams have been influenced by man. Historic alterations of the stream, its floodplain and the riparian vegetation may still affect CWD supply and standing stock. It is concluded that virtually all streams in Central Europe are highly altered with respect to the amount of CWD, and that the importance of CWD is under-represented in recent assessment principles for stream in Germany.
ISSN:	1434-2944 1522-2632