Question seeks specific litter accumulation rates for different tree species over long periods. The answer states this specific data isn't available but provides estimates based on existing forest fire behaviour tables and highlights influencing factors.

AnsweredQoN 1904Legislative Council
Asked
12 March 2019
Portfolio
Environment

QuestionView source ↗

Will the Minister please provide the litter accumulation rates for Jarrah, Karri and Wandoo for: (a) 50 years; (b) 100 years; and (c) if no, why not?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
10 April 2019
Responded by
Minister for Environment
Response time
10 days
(a)– (c)
This specific information is not available, however it could be estimated using Forest Fire Behaviour Tables (Sneeuwjagt and Peet 1985). These tables provide guidance regarding the litter accumulation in jarrah and karri dominant stands based on the number of annual leaf falls and the canopy cover of the forest. The tables provide for up to 25 annual leaf falls with accumulated litter after 25 years ranging from 14.8 tonnes per hectare (t/ha) to 22.5 t/ha in jarrah dominant forest and from 35 t/ha to 58 t/ha in karri dominant forest. For wandoo dominant forests, the tables indicate litter accumulation for up to 30 annual leaf falls based on either the basal area or canopy cover of the stand, with accumulated litter loads after 30 years ranging from 5.4 t/ha to 15.8 t/ha.
The process of litter accumulation is influenced by a range of factors including:

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