Description and simulation of tree-layer composition and size distributions in a primaeval Picea-Pinus forest

Rik Leemans; I. Colin Prentice

doi:10.1007/bf00038696

Description and simulation of tree-layer composition and size distributions in a primaeval Picea-Pinus forest

Theory and models in vegetation science ◽

10.1007/978-94-009-4061-1_15 ◽

1987 ◽

pp. 147-156

Author(s):

Rik Leemans ◽

I. Colin Prentice

Keyword(s):

Size Distributions ◽

Tree Layer ◽

Layer Composition

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Beziehungen zwischen Baum- und Krautschicht in Buchenmischwäldern | Relations between tree and herb layer in mixed beech forests

Schweizerische Zeitschrift fur Forstwesen ◽

10.3188/szf.2010.0147 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 161 (4) ◽

pp. 147-156 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Judith Reusser ◽

Caroline Heiri ◽

Pascale Weber ◽

Harald Bugmann

Keyword(s):

Light Availability ◽

Herb Layer ◽

Forest Reserves ◽

Site Characteristics ◽

Tree Layer ◽

Negative Effect ◽

Study Sites ◽

The Stability ◽

Species Specific ◽

Layer Composition

Tree layer composition is a crucial factor for the stability and diversity of forest ecosystems, and many factors such as nutrient availability or the light regime are influenced by trees and their species-specific properties. The occurrence and abundance of herbs as indicators for site characteristics are likely to be related to the variability in tree layer diversity and changes in environmental variables. To test this hypothesis, the effect of tree layer composition on herb layer diversity was studied in mixed deciduous beech (Fagus sylvatica) forest reserves on the Swiss Plateau. Applying a transect design we recorded tree and herbaceous species composition and measured key top soil properties and light availability in seven forest reserves. Tree layer diversity did not affect herb layer diversity at the study sites. However, a species-specific influence of trees on the herb layer was evident: a high proportion of beech had a negative effect on herb layer diversity, and the presence of ash (Fraxinus excelsior) was correlated with a thick A h horizon and high soil pH, which enhanced herb layer diversity. Spruce (Picea abies) and pine (Pinus sylvestris) were related to a thick forest floor (litter) layer, which negatively affected herb layer diversity.

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Variation in Tree Layer Composition Across Mid and Higher Elevation Forest Sites in Kumaun Himalayan Region, Uttarakhand

Current World Environment ◽

10.12944/cwe.16.3.7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 733-739

Author(s):

Bhawna Tewari ◽

Ashish Tewari

Keyword(s):

Basal Area ◽

Pinus Roxburghii ◽

Future Studies ◽

Forest Sites ◽

Tree Layer ◽

Quercus Semecarpifolia ◽

Quercus Leucotrichophora ◽

Important Value Index ◽

Layer Composition ◽

Rhododendron Campanulatum

The Himalayan forests are rich in biodiversity and distributed over a large extent from lower to higher elevations. The dependence of the locals for their daily requirements of fuel, fodder and medicinal plants is high on these forests. The study was conducted at altitude varied between 1725 and 3250 masl (above sea level) in Kumaun region. The study deals with the comparison of tree layer vegetation in higher elevation sites (HES) and mid elevation sites (MES) with reference to Diversity, Richness, Basal area (BA), Dominance and Important Value Index. The MES were dominated by mixed Quercus leucotrichophora and Pinus roxburghii forests where as HES sites were dominated by Quercus semecarpifolia and Aesculus indica forests and Rhododendron campanulatum in the understory. Across all the sites the tree species richness ranged between 9 and 15. Tree density was maximum (1400 trees/ha) at MES. Tree diversity and total basal area were maximum at HES. The study will be useful in developing baseline data for carrying out future studies. The data generated will be helpful for the conservation of biodiversity of the region.

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Effects of mixed beech and hornbeam stands on soil properties and plant species diversity indices in Hyrcanian forests of Iran

Madera y Bosques ◽

10.21829/myb.2020.2632015 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Simin Marefat ◽

Javad Eshaghi Rad ◽

Ameneh Khanalizadeh

Keyword(s):

Cluster Analysis ◽

Forest Management ◽

Species Diversity ◽

Species Composition ◽

Plant Species ◽

Environmental Variables ◽

Herb Layer ◽

Hyrcanian Forests ◽

Tree Layer ◽

Layer Composition

Revealing the effect of mixed beech and hornbeam stands on herb layer diversity is essential for sustainable forestry and biodiversity conservation since little is known in Hyrcanian forests. So, we studied the effects of such stands on understory diversity and soil physico-chemical properties in Hyrcanian forests of Iran. Forty sampled plots were established by random systematic sampling method with a regular 100 m × 200 m grid. At each sample point we recorded species identity and percent cover of each tree layer and herb layer species within plots of size 400 m2 (20 m × 20 m) and 100 m2 (10 m ×10 m) respectively. Soil samples were taken from 0 cm -10 cm and 10 cm - 30 cm soil depths. Cluster analysis was used to classify the samples based on the floristic composition data. Also detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) method was employed to assess the relationship between vegetation and environmental variables. There was no significant difference in terms of species richness, and diversity between mixed beech stands and hornbeam stands, but cluster analysis indicated that these stands were separated in two different groups based on herb layer species composition. DCA results showed that litter thickness, soil texture, total nitrogen, and organic carbon in the first layer were considered effective environmental variables in the distribution of sample plots in two stands. We observed that tree layer composition and soil characteristics were crucial contributors to variations of understory species composition which may be changed by forest management approaches over time. Tree layer composition and soil attributes can be considered effective factors for controlling and assessment of understory plant species composition. These findings could provide guidelines for conserving plant species diversity within any framework of sustainable forest management in Hyrcanian forests.

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