**3.1.3 Estimates of below-ground WD**

The stump-breast height diameter table from Omule and Kozak (1989) was used to estimate DBH values from the measured stump diameters for the SOH and WTH sites. A DBH - height equation was established in adjacent uncut stands to estimate heights of stands prior to disturbances. The validated equations and biomass component ratios from Comeau and Kimmins (1989), along with estimated H and DBH were then used to estimate above- and below-ground biomass of each plot before harvesting for harvested sites. For the fire-killed sites, these biomass parameters were estimated using the decomposition model developed in this study and the biomass component ratios from Comeau and Kimmins (1989). The below-ground biomass component includes fine and coarse roots.
