Composition, structure, and aboveground biomass of two old-growth northern hardwood stands in Upper Michigan

Abstract
Two climax northern hardwood stands in Upper Michigan growing on sites of differing quality were characterized on the basis of stand composition and aboveground biomass as estimated by regression techniques. Both stands were dominated by sugar maple (Acersaccharum Marsh.). Total aboveground biomass was estimated at 284 and 325 t•ha−1 on the sites. These values are much lower than previous estimates for climax stands in this region because of the lack of shade tolerant conifers on the sites. Site differences are likely due to elevational differences and differences in soil rooting volume.