Aboveground biomass stocks and net primary production of three primeval European beech forests in eastern Slovakia

The classification was used as a basis to select four plots per development stage and four plots per production forest for the recording of the remaining biomass and productivity compartments (high intensity plots - 48 HIPs in total). Litter biomass and production was estimated using litter traps. Regeneration biomass was recorded by counting regeneration trees on sub-plots of the 48 HIPs.

Coarse woody debris was estimated by measuring dimensions of all downed logs with base diameters >= 20 cm. Fine woody debris was estimated with line intersect sampling on 4 6.5 m long transects per plot. Annual woody biomass was estimated by taking repeated readings of permanent increment tapes.

Upscaling to tree level was done with allometric equations.