Deadwood after forest fires
The deadwood is being recorded in the research project by various partners and using different methods. The Eberswalde State Competence Centre for Forestry, the University of Potsdam, the Natural Forest Academy and the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development are all involved.
The following deadwood classes are recorded: Lying deadwood (from 0.1 cm diameter), standing deadwood and stumps (> 7 cm diameter) as well as special structures (e.g. deadwood walls).
First results on standing deadwood
Almost exactly three years after the fire event, the collapse of the standing tree population is at its peak.
The management variant has a slight influence on the dynamics of the collapse (area B-K); a kind of "domino effect" can be observed on uncleared areas.
In contrast to storm areas, for example, fallen trunks often break at a height of four to five metres and remain as high stumps.
Older pines that have survived a light fire (area V) remain vital.
The picture gallery shows impressions of the investigations:
During the initial survey, stumps were also recorded in order to reconstruct the stand density and the initial situation before the fire. (Photo: LFE)
Measuring the standing deadwood using a laser distance measuring device. (Photo: LFE)
Measuring the lying deadwood. (Photo: LFE)
Drones are also used to analyse deadwood (University of Potsdam). (Photo: LFE)
Many high stumps remained even after the second fire in June 2022. (Photo: LFE)
Deadwood walls have been pushed together on some areas of the former city forest. (Photo: LFE)
Mobile laser scanning device for recording the deadwood walls, as part of a master's thesis at the HNEE. (Photo: LFE)
Y2, Wilderness area Jüterbog, October 2021: Two years after the fire, standing deadwood predominates. (Photo © Dr Tilo Geisel 2021)
Y2, Wilderness area Jüterbog, October 2022: First domino effects. (Photo © Dr Tilo Geisel 2022)
Y2, wilderness area Jüterbog, October 2023: Only isolated trunks are still standing. (Photo © Dr Tilo Geisel 2023)
Only in this area with low fire intensity some older pines have survived the fire. Birches grow up in between. (Photo © Dr Tilo Geisel 2023)