scholarly journals Diversity of old-drained forests in Estonia

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaanus Paal ◽  
Iti Jürjendal
Keyword(s):  
Indicator Species ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Soil Reaction ◽  
Ecological Indicator ◽  
Forest Site ◽  
Indicator Values ◽  
Site Type ◽  
Community Types ◽  
Forest Typology ◽  
Geographical Scope

Due to originating from various mire or paludified forests and consequently developing after drainage under different growth conditions, the drained forests are very heterogeneous and complex. In the official Estonian forest typology, the old-drained stands are divided into Myrtillus and Oxalis site types, but recently the validity of the autonomous Dryopteris (expansa) forest site type was again asserted. The aims of the current study were to (i) elucidate the main factors determining the structure and variation of the Estonian old-drained forests, (ii) elaborate the typology of these forests at the community level and, (iii) establish the indicator species of the established community types. 218 forest stands drained not less than 35–40 years ago were analysed. According to multivariate data analyses (cluster, ordination and variance analyses, multi-response permutation procedures, indicator species analyses) it appeared that the soil reaction, nutrients, and moisture content, assessed by the Ellenberg ecological indicator values for habitats are much more significant factors for plant growth and community structure than the thickness of soil/peat horizons. Nevertheless, the litter and peat horizons in soils of drained Dryopteris site type forests is significantly thinner than in Oxalis and Myrtillus site type stands. The Dryopteris site type forests can be divided into six, the Oxalis site type forests into three, and the Myrtillus site type forests into two types of communities. Each of the 11 established community types differ significantly (p < 0.05) from each other and have their own dominant and significant indicator species. When comparing the Estonian old-drained forests with analogous stands in neighbouring countries (Latvia, Finland, Sweden, northwestern Russia) we can find rather large similarities; the typological differences result mainly from the methodological approaches and geographical scope of countries. Key words: community types, drainage impact, Dryopteris forest site type, fern-rich forests, indicator species, Ellenberg indicator values, nutrition gradient.

Phytosociological affiliation of Annex II species Tephroseris longifolia subsp. moravica in comparison with two related Tephroseris species with overlapping distribution

Biologia ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 68 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarína Hegedüšová ◽  
Iveta Škodová ◽  
Monika Janišová ◽  
Judita Kochjarová
Keyword(s):  
Related Species ◽  
Environmental Gradients ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Soil Reaction ◽  
Ecological Indicator ◽  
Indicator Values ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Phytosociological Relevés ◽  
Ecological Indicator Values

AbstractThe phytosociological affiliation of Tephroseris longifolia subsp. moravica, species of European importance, was studied in relation to two closely related species of the genus Tephroseris which have overlapping distribution within the Western Carpathian Mts: T. intergrifolia and T. crispa. The main aim was to compare plant communities inhabited by the three taxa, to assess the major environmental gradients responsible for variation in their distribution and to estimate ecological indicator values for Tephroseris longifolia subsp. moravica. T. longifolia subsp. moravica was recorded in nine localities in the Slovakia and Czech Republic where it occurs in very specific site conditions of ecotone habitats. Its phytosociological affiliation is restricted to grasslands of the alliances Bromion erecti and Arrhenatherion elatioris and to the ecotone vegetation between these grasslands and beech forests. T. integrifolia occurs most frequently in the Diantho lumnitzeri-Seslerion, Bromion erecti and Quercion pubescenti-petraeae alliances. T. crispa occurs predominantly in communities of the Calthion palustris alliance and Scheuchzerio-Caricetea fuscae, Mulgedio-Aconitetea and Montio-Cardaminetea classes. The major gradient responsible for variation in species composition of communities inhabited by the studied taxa was associated with moisture and nutrient content. The vascular plant-based ecological indicator values for Tephroseris longifolia subsp. moravica calculated from phytosociological relevés with its occurrence were set for light — 6, temperature — 5, continentality — 4, moisture — 5, soil reaction — 6 and nutrients — 5. We conclude that the studied taxon has intermediate relationship to the most of the studied factors in comparison with two related species, T. crispa and T. integrifolia.

scholarly journals SUCCESSION OF GROUND COVER VEGETATION IN HYLOCOMIOSA FOREST SITE TYPE AFTER THE CLEARCUT

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgars DUBROVSKIS ◽  
Aigars INDRIKSONS ◽  
Olga MIEZĪTE ◽  
Lelde HERMANE
Keyword(s):  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Ecological Indicator ◽  
Forest Site ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Site Type ◽  
Mature Stand ◽  
Ground Cover Vegetation

Nowadays forestry sector uses forest site type descriptions developed from beginning of 20th century till 1980’s and descriptions are obtained for pre-mature and mature stand age. There is less information about ground cover vegetation for full rotation cycle. In this research has been gathered information about ground cover vegetation succession in first 5 years after clear cut in mature Scots pine stand. The chronosequence method was used. The Brown-Blanquet and the point-square methods for accounting of ground cover plants were used. The ecological values of Ellenberg for describing the environmental status and the coefficient of Tschekanovsky for estimation of the difference between plant communities in forest young growths of different age were used. The biological diversity of species in this research compared to mature stand also is increasing. Ellenberg’s ecological indicator values as light and nitrogen are also increasing: nitrogen value has increased the most - by 2.62 units. There are registered changes in vascular plants, mosses, lichens and trees projective covering’s proportion. The most significant changes in individual species occurrence are between the second and third year's (Tschekanovsky coefficient = 0.19). Five years after clear cut the Tschekanovsky coefficient between the mature stand and five years old clearing is 0.18. In the 4th and 5th year after the clear cut there increase the projective cover of Monocotyledonae plants (families Graminaea and Cyperaceae) forming higher vertical structure and overtaking the dominance from another groups. The results obtained in this research promote further research in different stand age.

scholarly journals On Dryopteris site type forests in Estonia

2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Jaanus Paal ◽  
Iti Jürjendal
Keyword(s):  
Forest Site ◽  
Mutual Relationship ◽  
Forest Communities ◽  
Habitat Conditions ◽  
Peat Soils ◽  
Site Type ◽  
The North ◽  
Talus Slopes ◽  
Forest Typology ◽  
Site Types

Abstract Fern-rich forest communities are presented in Estonia in mesic or moderately humid nutrient-rich habitats, in areas of drained mire forests, on floodplains and lower parts of talus slopes of the North-Estonian limestone escarpment (klint). In the recent official forest typology only one site type has been distinguished and labelled by the ferns: the Dryopteris site type in the scope of boreo-nemoral forests. The aims of the current study were (i) to clarify whether distinguishing between two fern-rich forest site types, one among the full-drained forests group and another in the boreo-nemoral forests group, is reasonable, and if so, then (ii) what the main characteristics of both considered forest site types are, (iii) what the main environmental factors determining the structure of these communities are, and (iv) what the mutual relationship between those forests and other fern-rich forest communities is. Our results asserted a distinct difference between the full-drained and undrained Dryopteris site type forests distinguished by the former scholars. The undrained boreo-nemoral fern-rich stands have developed in the same place in harmony with habitat conditions, while drained forests have significantly changed. It seems that despite some vagueness due to long-lasting post-drainage succession, it is nevertheless justified to recognise the fern-rich drained stands in Estonian forest typology as representing an autonomous forest site type in the group of full-drained forests. To avoid confusion in nomenclature, in the future, the undrained fern-rich boreo-nemoral forests site type could be named according to the most conspicuous indicator species as the Athyrium (filix-femina) site type and fern-rich stands on full-drained peat soils as the Dryopteris (expansa) site type.

scholarly journals Vegetation diversity of the Scots pine stands in different forest sites in the Turawa Forest District

2014 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewa Stefańska-Krzaczek ◽  
Paweł Pech
Keyword(s):  
Scots Pine ◽  
Indicator Species ◽  
Forest Site ◽  
Tree Stand ◽  
Vegetation Diversity ◽  
Site Type ◽  
Forest Sites ◽  
Pine Stands ◽  
Scots Pine Stands ◽  
Site Types

Abstract The utility of phytocenotic indices in the diagnosis and classification of forest sites might be limited because of vegetation degeneration in managed forests. However, even in secondary communities it may be possible to determine indicator species, although these may differ from typical and well known plant indicators. The aim of this work was to assess the vegetation diversity of Scots pine stands in representative forest site types along a moisture and fertility gradient. In total 120 sample plots from Turawa forests were included in the study. These plots represented young (21-40 years) and old (> 80 years) Scots-pine-dominated stands. The forest sites were categorised according to Polish site classification. Four site categories were studied: Bśw (very nutrient-poor and mesic sites), BMśw (nutrient-poor and mesic sites), BMw (nutrient-poor and moist sites), LMw (quite nutrient-rich and moist sites). The species composition of the forest patches studied hardly differed among forest site types. Almost all of the vegetation in site Bśw was different from both moist site types (BMw and LMw). Sites Bśw and LMw had the exclusive species determined as site indicators. Moreover, young stands had their own site type indicator species which differed from old stands. Numerical classification showed that only two plant communities were widespread: Leucobryo- Pinetum in Bśw and BMśw, and the community of Pinus sylvestris and Molinia caerulea in BMśw, BMw, LMw. In secondary communities typical indicator species may not be useful, but it is possible to determinate species that are locally unique to forest site type. Despite the convergence in the composition of the plant community resulting from tree stand unification, plant communities have the capacity for a more diverse composition. Tree stand conversion can increase phytocenotic diversity

scholarly journals Selected physical and mechanical properties of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood from stands of younger age classes as criteria for rational utilization of timber

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Przemysław Marcin Pikiński ◽  
Jaroslav Szaban ◽  
Gerda Šilingienė ◽  
Robert Korzeniewicz ◽  
Witold Pazdrowski
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Pinus Sylvestris ◽  
Scots Pine ◽  
Bending Strength ◽  
Physical And Mechanical Properties ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Coniferous Forests ◽  
Forest Site ◽  
Quality Coefficient

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood depending on the age of trees, forest site conditions and social class of tree position in the stand. Analyses were based on the determination of specific density and static bending strength, as well as the strength quality coefficient. It was to determine changes in physical and mechanical properties of timber depending on tree age as well as growth conditions reflected in the forest site such as fresh mixed coniferous forests and fresh mixed broadleaved forests. Experimental plots were established in 6 localities with 30, 40 and 60-year-old trees. In each of the stands, a 1-hectare experimental plot was established. Based on the measured DBH and tree height, dimensions of three mean sample trees were calculated, while the classification of social class of tree position in the stand developed by Kraft (1884) was also applied. Analyses were conducted on wood samples with 12% moisture content. Strength tests on wood samples were performed on an Instron 33RH204 universal strength testing machine. A detailed analysis showed properties of pine wood are improved with an increase of tree age in both forest sites. Statistically significant differences were observed for wood density and static bending strength. More advantageous properties were observed for wood of pines from the less fertile forest site, i.e., fresh mixed coniferous forests. Density and static bending strength were markedly determined by tree age and growth conditions. The static bending strength quality coefficient from pines growing in the fresh mixed coniferous forests increased between 30 and 40 years, similarly as it was for the fresh mixed broadleaved forests, while between 40 and 60 years, it deteriorated for the fresh mixed coniferous forests. Wood density from the fresh mixed coniferous forests was by 3% to 7% greater than pines growing in fresh mixed broadleaved forests. In turn, static bending strength of wood from pines growing in fresh mixed coniferous forests was by 4% to 10% greater than trees from the fresh mixed broadleaved forests.  Keywords: Scots pine, wood properties, forest site, Poland

Growth of Uneven-Aged Stands in New York's Adirondack Mountains

1987 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 136-139
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Temple ◽  
Ralph D. Nyland ◽  
Philip J. Craul
Keyword(s):  
Basal Area ◽  
Community Type ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Forest Site ◽  
Adirondack Mountains ◽  
Soil Series ◽  
Annual Increment ◽  
Periodic Treatment ◽  
Community Types ◽  
Species Groups

Abstract Prediction equations are presented for total standing volume and periodic annual increment among unevenaged stands in New York's Adirondacks. These use stand basal area, plus selected physical site and vegetal characteristics of the stand. Few plots located across a range of community types or soil series differed significantly in volume increment, suggesting that neither the community type nor soil series provides a reliable basis for forest site productivity classification. Hardwoods grow better than conifers on the deeper less podzolized soils, and individual species or species groups grow differently from one community type to another. Yet, the superior growth of one tends to compensate for the mediocre performance of others within some community types, resulting in similar levels of total stand growth between communities. Findings indicate which species to favor in marking different stands for periodic treatment. North. J. Appl. For. 4:136-139, Sept. 1987.

scholarly journals Regional typology of spring vegetation in Parc Ela (Grisons, Switzerland)

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 257-274
Author(s):  
Hallie Seiler ◽  
Daniel Küry ◽  
Regula Billeter ◽  
Jürgen Dengler
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Detrended Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Soil Reaction ◽  
Ecological Indicator ◽  
Ecological Value ◽  
Water Conductivity ◽  
Regional Survey

Aims: The spring habitats of Central Europe are insular biotopes of high ecological value. Although subject to severe exploitation pressures, they do not yet have a comprehensive protection status in Switzerland. Contributing to this challenge is the controversy involved with their syntaxonomic classification. In the context of the development of a regional conservation strategy and the establishment of a national inventory of Swiss springs, we carried out a regional survey of spring vegetation and aimed to translate this into a classification system. Study area: Montane and subalpine zones of Parc Ela (Grisons, Switzerland). Methods: We selected 20 springs to cover different regions, elevations and bedrock types within the park. In each of them we recorded complete vascular plant and bryophyte composition as well as a range of environmental variables in three 1-m² plots that were placed to reflect the heterogeneity within the spring. After running an unsupervised classification with modified TWINSPAN, the distinguished vegetation units were characterized in terms of diagnostic species, species richness and environmental variables and placed within the syntaxonomic system. Results: Species richness was high (total species 264, mean 21.7 species in 1 m2). The two most important environmental gradients of the ordination were elevation/water conductivity and insolation/water pH/soil reaction EIV. We distinguished seven communities within two main groups. Conclusions: All unshaded springs, including those over siliceous bedrock, could be assigned to a broadly defined Cratoneurion. The petrifying springs were not strongly distinguishable floristically from other base-rich springs. The forest springs, although often not clearly differentiated from their unshaded counterparts, could be provisionally divided into the alliances Caricion remotae and Lycopodo europaei-Cratoneurion commutati. As there is a certain threat to these habitats in the park due to anthropogenic influence, protection measures are recommended, most importantly the appropriate management of alpine pastures. Taxonomic reference: Juillerat et al. (2017) for vascular plants, Meier et al. (2013) for bryophytes. Abbreviations: ANOVA = analysis of variance; DCA = detrended correspondence analysis; EIV = ecological indicator value; FOEN = Federal Office of the Environment (Switzerland); NCHO = Ordinance on the Protection of Nature and Cultural Heritage; SD = standard deviation; TWINSPAN = Two Way Indicator Species Analysis; WPA = Federal Act on the Protection of Waters.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document