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

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 (< 700 m2) and large gaps (≥ 700 m2) were defined. Forty-one (41) regeneration microsites (RSs) of 1 m2 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 > 0.05) between small and large gaps, however, intermediate and shade-tolerant species were significantly higher (P < 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 R2 = 99% and 88%, respectively. 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.

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

Central European Forestry Journal ◽

10.1515/forj-2017-0023 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 63 (4) ◽

pp. 213-225 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

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.

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

Journal of Forestry Research ◽

10.1007/s11676-020-01269-6 ◽

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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Carbon exchange in a hemiboreal mixed forest in relation to tree species composition

Agricultural and Forest Meteorology ◽

10.1016/j.agrformet.2019.05.007 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 275 ◽

pp. 11-23 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Alisa Krasnova ◽

Mai Kukumägi ◽

Ülo Mander ◽

Raili Torga ◽

Dmitrii Krasnov ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Species Composition ◽

Tree Species ◽

Mixed Forest ◽

Carbon Exchange ◽

Tree Species Composition

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Long-term effects of stump removal and tree species composition on the diversity and structure of soil fungal communities

FEMS Microbiology Ecology ◽

10.1093/femsec/fiaa061 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 96 (5) ◽

Author(s):

Dixi Modi ◽

Suzanne Simard ◽

Jean Bérubé ◽

Les Lavkulich ◽

Richard Hamelin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Species Composition ◽

Fungal Community ◽

Tree Species ◽

Management Practice ◽

Tree Regeneration ◽

Root Disease ◽

Fungal Communities ◽

Tree Species Composition ◽

The Impact

ABSTRACT Stump removal is a common forest management practice used to reduce the mortality of trees affected by the fungal pathogen-mediated root disease, Armillaria root rot, but the impact of stumping on soil fungal community structure is not well understood. This study analyzed the long-term impact of stumping and tree species composition on the abundance, diversity and taxonomic composition of soil fungal communities using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) marker-based DNA metabarcoding in a 48-year-old trial at Skimikin, British Columbia. A total of 108 samples were collected from FH (fermented and humus layers), and soil mineral horizons (A and B) from stumped and unstumped plots of six tree species treatments (pure stands and admixtures of Douglas-fir, western red-cedar and paper birch). Fungal α-diversity in the A horizon significantly increased with stumping regardless of tree species composition, while β-diversity was significantly affected by stumping in all the horizons. We also observed that the relative abundance of the saprotrophic fungal community declined while that of the ectomycorrhizal fungal community increased with stumping. In conclusion, increase in ectomycorrhizal fungal associations, which are positively associated with tree productivity, suggests that stumping can be considered a good management practice for mitigating root disease and promoting tree regeneration.

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Tree Species Composition and Natural Regeneration Status of Southeast Region of Bangladesh

Journal of Tropical Biodiversity and Biotechnology ◽

10.22146/jtbb.49988 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 27

Author(s):

Abir Dey ◽

Aklima Akther

Keyword(s):

Species Composition ◽

Tree Species ◽

Natural Regeneration ◽

Native Species ◽

Basal Area ◽

Conservation Strategies ◽

Stem Density ◽

Importance Value Index ◽

Tree Species Composition ◽

Large Trees

The study aimed to quantify and discuss the current condition of the tree species composition and natural regeneration of southeast parts of Bangladesh (Cox’s Bazar North Forest Division). A total of 121 stems having dbh ≥10cm and 3481 stems of regenerating tree species (dbh <10cm) per hectare were recorded. A large trees comprised of 17 species belonging to 10 families and 14 genera and 30 regenerating tree species belonging to 19 families and 27 genera have been found. The forests were highly non-uniform, with three or four species represented most of the stands. The values of diversity indices indicated limited plant diversity, which is dominated by two or three tree species. Stems of 10-30 cm dbh contributed almost 90% of the total stem density, whereas more than 80% of the total basal area still belonged to trees with dbh 100 cm or above. Dipterocarpus turbinatus was the most dominant species which have the highest Importance Value Index (IVI) with 135.82 and embodied 37.71% of the total stand density and 72.19% of total basal area. The study will provide scientific basis for the future implementation of forest conservation strategies in tropical forests of Southeast Asia, particularly in Bangladesh. This study may also pave the way to further research on regeneration potentials of the native species for conservation and enhancement of forests in future.

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Effects of gap size on natural regeneration and micro-environmental soil conditions in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst) dominated mixed forest

Plant Soil and Environment ◽

10.17221/397/2020-pse ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 66 (No. 12) ◽

pp. 607-615

Author(s):

Maame Esi Hammond ◽

Radek Pokorný

Keyword(s):

Picea Abies ◽

Norway Spruce ◽

Fagus Sylvatica ◽

Natural Regeneration ◽

Mixed Forest ◽

European Beech ◽

Soil Conditions ◽

Gap Size ◽

The Czech Republic ◽

Fagus Sylvatica L

The study focused on the effects of gap size on natural regeneration of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) and micro-environmental soil conditions in gaps of different sizes under temperate mixed forest in the Czech Republic. Six gaps comprising two for small (≥ 200 m2), medium (≥ 500 m2) and big (≥ 900 m2) each were selected. Ten circular 1 m2 subsampling plots were established at 2 m intervals along individual North-South-East-West transects, including one at the gap centre. Regeneration was monitored in 2014 and repeatedly in 2019. Soil conditions were only measured in 2019. Gap size was found to be a significant parameter for European beech natural regeneration in 2014. Besides, the quick occupation of European beech in gaps at natural beech zone provoked its prolific regeneration compared to Norway spruce in 2014. However, in 2019 the recent threat of weather variabilities was responsible for the general abysmal growth performance of natural regeneration. Division of gap microsites into different within-gap positions based on prevailing light or shade conditions was helpful in assessing the significant variations of soil conditions within-gap positions and among gap sizes. Soil temperature and moisture significantly influenced the regeneration of European beech and Norway spruce, respectively.

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Impact of Invasive Tree Species on Natural Regeneration Species Composition, Diversity, and Density

Forests ◽

10.3390/f11040456 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 456 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Marcin K. Dyderski ◽

Andrzej M. Jagodziński

Keyword(s):

Species Composition ◽

Tree Species ◽

Natural Regeneration ◽

Phylogenetic Diversity ◽

Forest Types ◽

Shrub Species ◽

Native Tree ◽

Invasive Tree ◽

Native Tree Species ◽

Invasive Tree Species

Invasive tree species decrease ecosystem resilience with negative impacts on natural regeneration. The influence of alien tree species on ecosystems is unevenly recognized and does not always account for different habitat specificity. We assessed the impacts of the three most frequent invasive tree species in European forests: Prunus serotina Ehrh., Quercus rubra L., and Robinia pseudoacacia L. on natural regeneration diversity, species composition, and density. We hypothesized that invaded forest types, in comparison with non-invaded, will differ in terms of species composition, will have lower taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of natural regeneration, and will have lower densities of native tree species. We used a set of 189 study plots (200 m2) in a systematic design, established in various forest types in Wielkopolski National Park (West Poland). We analyzed impacts of forest type, accounting for soil C:N ratio, soil pH, and light availability on natural regeneration (woody species up to 0.5 m height) species composition, diversity, and density. We found an overlap of species composition among invaded and non-invaded forests and low impacts of invasive species on taxonomic diversity and functional richness. We found no impacts on phylogenetic diversity and other functional diversity components. In contrast, we found that the natural regeneration of forest-forming tree species reached lower densities in invaded than non-invaded forest types. However, sub-canopy and shrub species reached higher densities in invaded than non-invaded forest types. We confirmed that invasive tree species affect natural regeneration by decreasing the regeneration density of native tree species (in eight of nine tree species studied), species composition homogenization, and supporting natural regeneration of sub-canopy and shrub species. Therefore, the restoration of invaded forests requires eradication of invasive tree species to decrease propagule pressure and to stop decreases in the abundance of native tree species’ natural regeneration.

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Ecological valence of expanding European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) in the Bohemian Karst (Czech Republic)

Journal of Forest Science ◽

10.17221/4511-jfs ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 52 (No. 7) ◽

pp. 293-305 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

S. Střeštík ◽

P. Šamonil

Keyword(s):

Species Composition ◽

Tree Species ◽

Natural Regeneration ◽

Average Density ◽

Fraxinus Excelsior ◽

Water Retention Capacity ◽

Average Height ◽

Retention Capacity ◽

Tree Species Composition ◽

Bohemian Karst

In 2002 a study focused on the evaluation of height and density of expanding natural regeneration of Fraxinus excelsior L. (FE) was carried out on Velká hora Hill, a locality in the Bohemian Karst (Český kras). The examined area is located in Karl&scaron;tejn National Nature Reserve and takes up around 31 ha. The parent rock is limestone. The expansion depends on soil and exposition conditions and relates to the water balance gradient. FE reached the highest densities (up to 6,000 individuals/400 m2) on Velká hora’s peak plateau on medium-deep, heavy-textured decarbonized soils. The lowest expansion (508 individuals/400 m2) was found on slopes fully exposed to south (S) with water retention capacity lower than 20 mm. In total, the average density was 1,190 individuals/400 m2. FE natural regeneration reached the highest average heights (around 210 cm) on Fageto-Quercetum illimerosum mesotrophicum, the smallest heights on Carpineto-Aceretum saxatile. Average height in the locality was 47 cm. No relation was found between FE natural regeneration height or density and the distance of a fertile specimen. The distance exceeded 70 m only in 3.4%. FE seeds could be detected almost everywhere at the area. FE is capable to establish itself on any location of the studied locality except ecologically extreme parts of rock steppe without forest and Fagus sylvatica L. stands occupying S slopes. On less favourable sites it is capable to use the protection of other tree species and as a low growing tree it can eventually dominate the site. In more favourable conditions it expands on the whole area, where it can dominate the undergrowth already at 1-m height. If the forest sites are left to natural development, a distinctive change in the tree species composition could take place in a short time period. Such a change could have an essential impact on light conditions, energy flux and species composition of plant and animal communities.

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