scholarly journals Canopy gaps and tree regeneration patterns in multi-species unmanaged natural forest Sitno (preliminary results)

Beskydy ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia Danková ◽  
M. Saniga
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Canopy Gaps ◽  
Tree Regeneration ◽  
Acer Pseudoplatanus ◽  
Gap Size ◽  
Acer Platanoides ◽  
Large Variability ◽  
Old Growth Forest ◽  
Closed Canopy

The study of canopy gaps structure and tree regeneration patterns was conducted in mixed old-growth forest Sitno. We asked the following questions: What is the spatial scale of disturbance events? How does gap size affect the density of tree seedlings and saplings? Are there any differences in species composition of seedlings and saplings between the closed canopy and expanded gap? The research was conducted on a 2.5-ha (250 × 100 m) research plot. In total, 25 canopy openings were recorded. Canopy gaps and expanded gaps covered 22.8 % and 59.5 % of the research area. The most frequent were canopy gaps with the size up to 300 m2(64 %). Regarding the number of gapmakers, we recorded a quite large variability with the highest frequency of the gaps with 1 and 4 gapmakers. Regeneration structure (density and frequency) was sampled in 3.14 m2circular plot (n = 216) established on the grid intersections (10 × 10 m). A total of 8 tree species were identified in natural regeneration. The difference between overall density of natural regeneration under closed canopy and in expanded gaps was observed. The density of all tree species seedlings (except ofCarpinus betulus) was higher under closed canopy than in expanded gaps. The most frequent were seedlings ofAcer pseudoplatanusandAcer platanoideswhich occurred on 80 % and 73 % of the plots under closed canopy, and 75 % and 68 % of the plots in expanded gaps. Seedlings ofQuercus petraeawere not recorded. Density of saplings was higher in expanded gaps than under canopy (except of saplings ofAcer platanoidesandTilia cordata). The density of saplings ofAcer pseudoplatanusandAcer platanoidesincreased with increasing size of expanded gap, whileFraxinus excelsiorsaplings density decreased. There was no significant relationship between density of other species seedlings and saplings and expanded gap size.

Natural regeneration of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) trees in canopy gaps and under closed canopy in a forest in northern Iran

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 1075-1081 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nasrin Nasiri ◽  
Mohammad R. Marvie Mohadjer ◽  
Vahid Etemad ◽  
Kiomars Sefidi ◽  
Leila Mohammadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Canopy Gaps ◽  
Northern Iran ◽  
Fagus Orientalis ◽  
Oriental Beech ◽  
Fagus Orientalis Lipsky ◽  
Closed Canopy

Small-scale disturbance in a northern hardwoods forest: effects on tree species abundance and distribution

1993 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 1347-1360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan W. McClure ◽  
Thomas D. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Species Abundance ◽  
Root Competition ◽  
Northern Hardwoods ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Gap Size ◽  
Old Growth Forest ◽  
Tolerant Species ◽  
Shade Tolerant Species

Sampling of 24-, 34-, and 44-year-old patch cuts (324–2400 m2) in the Bartlett Experimental Forest, New Hampshire, was undertaken to assess the effect of gap size and location within a gap on tree species abundance (relative basal area and relative density). Shade-tolerant species, especially eastern hemlock (Tsugacanadensis (L.) Carr.) and American beech (Fagusgrandifolia Ehrh.), were relatively more abundant in small gaps and gap edges and generally decreased with increasing gap size. Shade-intolerant species, including paper birch (Betulapapyrifera Marsh.) and pin cherry (Prunuspensylvanica L.f.), were relatively more abundant in large gaps and gap centers and increased with increasing gap size. Intermediately shade-tolerant species, especially yellow birch (Betulaalleghaniensis Britt.) and red maple (Acerrubrum L.), were relatively more abundant in gap centers. Striped maple (Acerpensylvanicum L.) was relatively more abundant in gap edges. Many of these relationships were complex due to interactions with gap age and slope. Sugar maple (Acersaccharum Marsh.) relative abundance was not associated with gap size or location within a gap. Analyses isolating irradiance as a factor influencing species composition were inconclusive. Instead, other effects of gap disturbance and characteristics associated with different locations in the gap, such as soil conditions and root competition, may play an important role in the gap dynamics of this northern hardwoods forest. Gap age had a strong effect on species relative abundances and these patterns reflected typical successional sequences in northern hardwood forests. The gap disturbances increased species richness and diversity in this forest. Gaps contained species not present in the old-growth forest, and the species compositional variations among different gap sizes suggest that a forest with a range of gap sizes will have high diversity. Competitive exclusion appeared to be prevented by the gap disturbances, a likely consequence of the release of previously unavailable resources.

scholarly journals Effect of Gap Size And Elevation On The Regeneration And Coexistence of Three Tree Species In A Subalpine Coniferous Forest

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wangya Han ◽  
Li Chen ◽  
G. Geoff Wang ◽  
Dan Liu ◽  
Guohua Liu
Keyword(s):  
Community Assembly ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Species Coexistence ◽  
Elevation Gradient ◽  
Coniferous Forest ◽  
Photon Flux ◽  
Gap Size ◽  
Stem Size ◽  
Subalpine Coniferous Forest ◽  
Old Growth Forest

Abstract Background: Gap size and environmental gradient have fundamental influence on the tree species coexistence and community assembly. We studied the regeneration and coexistence of three co-dominant tree species in three different gap size (large gap, 201-402 m2; medium gap, 101-200 m2; small gap, 38.8-100 m2) along an elevation gradient (between 3000m and 3500m) in an old-growth forest, on Mount Nadu in southwest China. Results: We found that the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was positively affected by gap size during the growing season. All three species had a higher regeneration density in large gaps, but the detailed response to treatments for each species depended on its stem size. Gap size had a significant positive effect on the regeneration density of Abies faxoniana small trees and Betula utilis saplings, but had no significant effect on Acer maximowiczii regeneration density. Saplings regeneration density is more sensitive to elevation compared to small trees regeneration density. Large gaps magnified the negative effects of elevation on regeneration density. Our findings indicated that Abies may maintain its regeneration advantage with low-intensity canopy disturbance, and large gap may provide excellent opportunities for broadleaf species (Betula and Acer) establishment and regeneration in this subalpine coniferous forest. Conclusion: Microhabitats heterogeneity controlled by characteristics of forest gaps along an elevation affected regeneration niche difference of tree species, which contributed to species coexistence and community assembly processes.

scholarly journals Long-term transformation of submontane spruce-beech forests in the Jizerské hory Mts.: dynamics of natural regeneration

2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 213-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiří Slanař ◽  
Zdeněk Vacek ◽  
Stanislav Vacek ◽  
Daniel Bulušek ◽  
Jan Cukor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Abies Alba ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Silver Fir ◽  
Acer Pseudoplatanus ◽  
Beech Forests ◽  
Forest Transformation ◽  
Tree Layer

AbstractThe paper deals with development of the natural regeneration of even-aged spruce-beech forests during their transformation to uneven-aged stands with diversified structure at the Jedlový důl area in the Protected Landscape Area Jizerské hory Mts., Czech Republic. Shelterwood management system and free felling policy based on selection principles has been applied there since 1979 with the support of admixed tree species of the natural species composition, especially silver fir (Abies alba Mill.). The research was focuses on structure and development of natural regeneration with the emphasis on ungulate damage and interaction with tree layer from 1979 to 2015. In the course of 36 years, the regeneration structure was diversified towards the close-to-nature tree species composition, spatial and age structure. The number of regeneration recruits increased in average from 941 to 41,669 ind ha-1. During this period share of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) significantly (p < 0.01) increased (by 53.6%), while the share of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) decreased (by 51.5%), such as damage caused by ungulate (by 61.4%) with the highest loses on sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.) and silver fir. Moreover, the parent trees had a significant negative influence on natural regeneration at smaller spacing (within a 1 - 5 m radius from the stem). Both, regeneration potential and effective role of the tree layer during the forest transformation has been confirmed as important prerequisites for ongoing forest transformation.

scholarly journals Effect of gap size on tree species diversity of natural regeneration – case study from Masaryk Training Forest Enterprise Křtiny

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (No. 10) ◽  
pp. 407-419
Author(s):  
Maame Esi Hammond ◽  
Radek Pokorny ◽  
Lumír Dobrovolný ◽  
Michal Friedl ◽  
Nina Hiitola
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Abies Alba ◽  
Essential Property ◽  
Gap Size ◽  
Forest Gaps ◽  
Significant Difference

Forest gaps remain the optimal forest management practice in modern forestry. Upon all the physical properties of forest gaps, the ‘gap size’ feature stands out as an essential property. The effect of gap size on tree species composition and diversity of natural regeneration in forest gaps of different sizes was investigated. Eight research forest gaps were selected from the Training Forest School Enterprise, also called Masaryk Forest in Křtiny, a temperate mixed forest in the Czech Republic. By given gap sizes, small (&lt; 700 m<sup>2</sup>) and large gaps (≥ 700 m<sup>2</sup>) were defined. Forty-one (41) regeneration microsites (RSs) of 1 m<sup>2</sup> circular area at 2 m intervals were demarcated within each forest gap. These RSs served as data collection points. From the total of eleven (11) species enumerated, large gaps obtained higher species composition (10) and diversity (Simpson = 0.5 1-D; Shannon = 1.0 H and Pielou’s evenness = 0.5 J indices) records, yet, small gaps presented favourable conditions for prolific natural regeneration significantly. Light-adapted species demonstrated no significant difference (P &gt; 0.05) between small and large gaps, however, intermediate and shade-tolerant species were significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) in small gaps. There were progressive declines in height growth of natural regeneration from 0–20 cm to 21–50 cm and 51+ cm in small and large gaps at R<sup>2 </sup>= 99% and 88%, respectively. <br /> The development of herbaceous vegetation in small and large gaps had positive and negative effects on the natural regeneration of Fagus sylvatica and Abies alba species, respectively.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of two treatments to promote tree regeneration: implications for forest restoration in the Isla del Coco National Park, Costa Rica

2020 ◽  
Vol 68 (S1) ◽  
pp. S103-S114
Author(s):  
Luis Acosta-Vargas ◽  
Adriana E. Rovere ◽  
Jorge Camacho-Sandoval
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Forest Restoration ◽  
National Park ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Forest Degradation ◽  
Tree Regeneration ◽  
Native Forest ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Seed Dispersion

Introduction: Isla del Coco is the only island in the Eastern Tropical Pacific with humid tropical forests; 296 plant species are reported, of them, 22% are endemic. Their ecology is poorly understood. Deforestation and the introduction of rats, feral pigs and white-tailed deer are the primary agents of forest degradation. After more than 120 years, the deforested areas have never recovered the native forest. Objective: To analyse if the deforested area keeps its resilience, we evaluated the natural regeneration and ecological processes associated. Methods: From August 2016 to June 2018, we conducted a restoration experiment consisting of a randomized complete blocks design including vegetation cutting, vegetation uprooting and controls as treatments. Plots were protected with an exclusion fence to avoid herbivores. Results: There were no differences between plant cutting and uprooting in stimulating natural regeneration. We only recorded the seedlings of two tree species, 35 individuals of Cecropia pittieri and three of Sacoglottis holdridgei, both endemic. Their regeneration established during the first 15 months mainly. At the end of the experiment, the structure and composition of the vegetation changed from bushes dominated by Entada gigas (28%) and Clidemia strigillosa (12%) to grasses dominated by Paspalum conjugatum (39%). Entada gigas has a high recolonizing potential with a growing rate of 1.6±0.2m/month. Conclusions: As filters for restoration we determined herbivores, which pose a strong negative impact in the development of the forest; the exhausted seed bank of tree species and scarce or null seed dispersion.

scholarly journals Size-Dependent Patterns of Seed Rain in Gaps in Temperate Secondary Forests, Northeast China

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiaoling Yan ◽  
Qun Gang ◽  
Jiaojun Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Seed Bank ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Soil Seed Bank ◽  
Seed Rain ◽  
Spatiotemporal Pattern ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Secondary Forests ◽  
Gap Size

Secondary forests have become the major forest type worldwide, and are experiencing various disturbances and exhibiting obvious vegetation degradation (e.g., reduced biodiversity and decreased productivity) compared with primary forests. Forest gap is a common small-scale disturbance in secondary forests. Promoting natural regeneration under gap disturbance is an important approach to recover biodiversity and ecosystem services for temperate secondary forests. The gap size is the crucial characteristic controlling natural regeneration of many tree species. However, little is known about the spatiotemporal pattern of seed rain for gravity-dispersed and wind-dispersed tree species in gaps of varying sizes. The objectives of this study were to determine how seed rain of dominant tree species depend on gap size, and consequently, to explore some gap-based silviculture solutions for restoring secondary forests from the view of seed dispersal. The spatial distribution of seed rain in gaps with three sizes (large gaps of 250–350 m2, medium gaps of 150–250 m2, and small gaps of < 150 m2), the temporal dynamics of seed rain over three years, and the relationship between seed rain and soil seed banks were explored in temperate secondary forests. The results showed that more than 90% of the seeds in seed rain were wind-dispersed, and their seed rain density and the contribution of seed rain to soil seed bank in medium gaps reached the highest (p = 0.03). The results suggest that establishing medium-sized gaps (i.e., gap size with 150–250 m2) in the secondary forests is more favorable for improving the natural regeneration potential (arrival of seeds and forming soil seed bank) of gap-dependent and wind-dispersed species (e.g., Acer mono) in gaps.

scholarly journals Effects of Gap Size and Cardinal Directions on Natural Regeneration, Growth Dynamics of Trees outside the Gaps and Soil Properties in European Beech Forests of Southern Italy

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 1563
Author(s):  
Silvio Bagnato ◽  
Pasquale A. Marziliano ◽  
Maria Sidari ◽  
Carmelo Mallamaci ◽  
Federica Romeo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Properties ◽  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Growth Dynamics ◽  
European Beech ◽  
Tree Regeneration ◽  
Gap Size ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Beech Stand ◽  
Gap Opening ◽  
Cardinal Directions

The present study was focused on how cardinal directions inside gaps of different sizes (small, 200 m2; medium, 400 m2; and large, 600 m2) can affect soil characteristics and tree regeneration. Additionally, the effects of gap size on the growth dynamics of trees outside the gaps were evaluated. The study was carried out in a European beech stand located in Aspromonte National Park (Southern Apennines, Calabria, Italy). Microclimatic variables, physical, chemical, and biochemical soil properties, natural regeneration density, and growth trees outside the gaps density of natural regeneration were assessed. This study provided evidence for an important effect of cardinal points on micro-environmental parameter variability, nutrient cycle, physic-chemical soil properties, water availability, and biological processes such as trees growth and regeneration. The European beech natural regeneration was most abundant in the south part of the gaps. Thus, we can state that cardinal points affect the trees natural regeneration in a species-specific manner. The new microclimatic conditions due to the gap opening had positive effects on the tree growth located along the gap edge, especially in the trees sampled on the edges of the medium gaps. On the contrary, the trees located in the forest recorded a productivity coherent with the period prior the gap opening. In medium-sized gaps, the combination and interaction of microclimatic and soil parameters (humification and mineralization process and microbial activity) created the best conditions for beech natural regeneration and favored an increase in the productivity of the trees at the edge of the gaps.

Climate resilience through natural regeneration in degraded natural forests of south-eastern hilly region of Bangladesh

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 417-425
Author(s):  
Md Khayrul Alam Bhuiyan ◽  
Md Akhter Hossain ◽  
Abdul Kadir Ibne Kamal ◽  
Mohammed Kamal Hossain ◽  
Mohammed Jashimuddin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Acacia Auriculiformis ◽  
Quantitative Structure ◽  
Natural Forests ◽  
Climate Resilience ◽  
Hilly Region ◽  
Major Cluster ◽  
Ecological Dominance

A study was conducted by using 5m × 5m sized 179 quadrates following multistage random sampling method for comparative regenerating tree species, quantitative structure, diversity, similarity and climate resilience in the degraded natural forests and plantations of Cox's Bazar North and South Forest Divisions. A total of 70 regenerating tree species were recorded representing maximum (47 species) from degraded natural forests followed by 43 species from 0.5 year 39 species from 1.5 year and 29 species from 2.5 year old plantations. Quantitative structure relating to ecological dominance indicated dominance of Acacia auriculiformis, Grewia nervosa and Lithocarpus elegans seedlings in the plantations whereas seedlings of Aporosa wallichii, Suregada multiflora and Grewia nervosa in degraded natural forests. The degraded natural forests possess higher natural regeneration potential as showed by different diversity indices. The dominance-based cluster analysis showed 2 major cluster of species under one of which multiple sub-clusters of species exists. Poor plant diversity and presence of regenerating exotic species in the plantations indicated poor climate resilience of forest ecosystem in terms of natural regeneration.

scholarly journals The composition and diversity of natural regeneration of tree species in gaps under different intensities of forest disturbance

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maame Esi Hammond ◽  
Radek Pokorný ◽  
Daniel Okae-Anti ◽  
Augustine Gyedu ◽  
Irene Otwuwa Obeng
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Forest Disturbance ◽  
Forest Site ◽  
Gap Formation ◽  
Tree Species Composition ◽  
Forest Sites ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Shade Tolerant Species ◽  
Disturbed Forest

AbstractThe positive ecological interaction between gap formation and natural regeneration has been examined but little research has been carried out on the effects of gaps on natural regeneration in forests under different intensities of disturbance. This study evaluates the composition, diversity, regeneration density and abundance of natural regeneration of tree species in gaps in undisturbed, intermittently disturbed, and disturbed forest sites. Bia Tano Forest Reserve in Ghana was the study area and three gaps each were selected in the three forest site categories. Ten circular subsampling areas of 1 m2 were delineated at 2 m spacing along north, south, east, and west transects within individual gaps. Data on natural regeneration < 350 cm height were gathered. The results show that the intensity of disturbance was disproportional to gap size. Species diversity differed significantly between undisturbed and disturbed sites and, also between intermittently disturbed and disturbed sites for Simpson’s (1-D), Equitability (J), and Berger–Parker (B–P) indices. However, there was no significant difference among forest sites for Shannon diversity (H) and Margalef richness (MI) indices. Tree species composition on the sites differed. Regeneration density on the disturbed site was significantly higher than on the two other sites. Greater abundance and density of shade-dependent species on all sites identified them as opportunistic replacements of gap-dependent pioneers. Pioneer species giving way to shade tolerant species is a natural process, thus make them worst variant in gap regeneration.

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