Coarse woody debris density and carbon concentration by decay classes in mixed montane wet tropical forests

Abstract The role of coarse woody debris (CWD) in the global carbon (C) cycle is growing under increasing tree mortality driven by climate variability and disturbances. Quantifying C CWD critically depends on accurate estimates density concentration CWD. This study considered main decomposition pathways (the proportions decomposed fungi vs. invertebrates; fungal decay types) relationships between class, wood density, moisture, content old‐growth mixed monsoon montane tropical forests Vietnam based inventory 359 pieces. bulk 1 st , 2 nd 3 rd 4 th 5 classes averaged 0.56, 0.49, 0.37, 0.28, 0.15 g cm −3 respectively. reduction across did not significantly differ for snags, stumps, branches, leaning, lying logs. Wood was negatively related to moisture. mass loss 0%, 20%, 37%, 54%, 74% classes, Signs invertebrate activity were recorded 3% Among samples with identifiable type, 88% white‐rot, 8% as brown‐rot, 4% pieces contained both white‐ brown‐rot patches. mean 46.5%. It change class. Our research provides an empirical basis future inventories stocks Asian forests.