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1.
Thomas Cordonnier Thomas Bourdier Georges Kunstler Christian Piedallu Benoît Courbaud 《Annals of Forest Science》2018,75(4):101
Key message
In tree communities, tree size inequality reduces productivity and interacts with tree shade tolerance to modulate stand productivity, with a higher productivity in stands where shade-intolerant species dominate shade-tolerant species in size.Context
Positive diversity–productivity relationships have been reported in different plant communities, including tree communities. These effects may be strongly related to both structural diversity and functional diversity, but also to their interactions if there is a non-random distribution of species functional characteristics among canopy layers.Aims
We explore the relative effects on forest productivity of tree species diversity, tree size inequality, and species shade tolerance diversity, as well as the effect of the distribution of tree shade tolerance in the canopy.Methods
We used 11,054 mixed-species forest plots from the French Forest Inventory (IGN) distributed throughout France (2006–2011). We analyzed the effects of species richness, shade tolerance diversity, and height inequality on forest plot productivity, represented by basal area annual increment over a period of 5 years, while controlling for first-order structure characteristics (basal area and quadratic mean diameter) and environmental factors (soil water budget and sum of growing degree days). Using the covariance between tree height and shade tolerance in mixed species canopies, we also explored the effect of the distribution of species’ shade tolerance among canopy layers.Results
The results showed a positive effect of species richness (effect size, 0.02) and a negative effect of height inequality (??0.05) on mixed-forest productivity. We also showed that a negative covariance between shade tolerance and height (e.g., higher proportion of shade-tolerant species in lower height classes) increased productivity (0.01). Shade tolerance diversity did not affect productivity.Conclusion
In tree communities, as shown previously in monospecific forest stands, tree size inequality reduces productivity. This effect is modulated by the distribution of shade tolerance among canopy layers. Previous studies on species diversity effect have generally overlooked the importance of the size structure and the size hierarchy of functional characteristics. These effects are, however, crucial and deserve to be explored in greater detail.2.
3.
Key message
Wood-anatomical traits determining the hydraulic architecture of Larix sibirica in the drought-limited Mongolian forest steppe at the southern fringe of the boreal forest respond to summer drought, but only weakly to variations in microclimate that depend on forest stand size.Context
Siberian larch (L. sibirica Ledeb.) is limited by summer drought and shows increasing mortality rates in the Mongolian forest steppe. The climate sensitivity of stemwood formation increases with decreasing forest stand size. The trees’ hydraulic architecture is crucial for drought resistance and thus the capability to deal with climate warming.Aims
We studied whether hydraulic traits were influenced by temporal or forest size-dependent variations in water availability and were related to tree-ring width.Methods
Hydraulic traits (tracheid diameter, tracheid density, potential sapwood area-specific hydraulic conductivity) of earlywood were studied in stemwood series of 30 years (1985–2014) and were related to climate data. Tree-ring width was measured for the same period. Trees were selected in stands of four different size classes with increasing drought exposure with decreasing stand size.Results
Tracheid diameters and hydraulic conductivity decreased with decreasing late summer precipitation of the previous year and were positively correlated with tree-ring width. Forest stand size had only weak effects on hydraulic traits, despite known effects on stemwood increment.Conclusion
Decreasing tracheid diameters and thus hydraulic conductivity are a drought acclimation of L. sibirica in the Mongolian forest steppe. These acclimations occur as a response to drought periods but are little site-dependent with respect to stand size.4.
Key message
In Appalachian hardwood forests, density, stem size, and productivity affected growth during drought for red oak, but not white oak species. Minor effects of density suggest that a single low thinning does little to promote drought resilience for oaks in the region.Context
Management is increasingly focused on promoting resilience to disturbance. Because stand density can modulate climate-growth relationships, thinning may be an adaptation strategy that promotes resistance/resilience to drought.Aims
We examined how density, manipulated via thinning, stem size, and site productivity, influences the drought response of northern red, black, chestnut, and white oak.Methods
We modeled the role of density, stem size, and site productivity on resistance, recovery, and resilience during two drought events.Results
Chestnut and white oak displayed greater resistance, recovery, and/or resilience than did northern red and black oak. For black oak, density and stem size negatively affected resistance during the first and second drought, respectively. Density, stem size, and site productivity had no effect on chestnut and white oak.Conclusion
The lack of sensitivity of chestnut and white oak to the ranges of density, stem size, and site productivity observed in this study and generally better resistance, recovery, and resilience suggests that management focused on the maintenance of these species, as opposed to a single silvicultural low thinning, may be a possible strategy for sustaining the growth and productivity of oak species in Appalachian hardwood stands. Drought response as affected by alternative thinning interventions should be evaluated.5.
Marcin K. Dyderski Anna Gazda Mariusz Hachułka Paweł Horodecki Izabela L. Kałucka Jacek Kamczyc Marek Malicki Remigiusz Pielech Michał Smoczyk Maciej Skorupski Sylwia Wierzcholska Andrzej M. Jagodziński 《Annals of Forest Science》2018,75(4):91
? Key message
Natural regeneration of P. abies (L.) H. Karst. may reach high densities in lower mountain elevations. The highest densities were found in sites with moderate light availability, with low pH, and not near the riverbank. However, age-height classes differed in the predicted magnitude of response, but were consistent in response directions. Mosses and understory species typical of coniferous forests were positively correlated with regeneration density.? Context
Norway spruce Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. in Central Europe is at risk under climate change scenarios, particularly in mountain regions. Little is known about the impact of environmental factors on the natural regeneration of P. abies in low-elevation mountain forests.? Aims
We aimed to assess impacts of distance from the riverbank, soil pH, and light availability on natural P. abies regeneration. We hypothesized that (1) natural P. abies regeneration would depend on light availability and soil pH and (2) there are understory plant species which may indicate the microsites suitable for natural regeneration of P. abies.? Methods
The study was conducted in the Sto?owe Mountains National Park (SW Poland, 600–800 m a.s.l.). We established 160 study plots (25 m2) for natural regeneration, light availability, soil pH, and understory vegetation assessment.? Results
The highest densities of natural regeneration of P. abies were observed in sites with moderate light availability (0.1–0.2 of open sky) and low pH (3.5–4.5), and located relatively far from the riverbank. Cover of 22 understory plant species were correlated with natural P. abies regeneration densities, mostly positively.? Conclusion
Different stages of natural regeneration of P. abies revealed different regeneration niches. Most understory plant species (bryophytes and herbs typical of coniferous forests) do not compete with natural regeneration of P. abies.6.
Jerzy Szwagrzyk Zbigniew Maciejewski Ewa Maciejewska Andrzej Tomski Anna Gazda 《Annals of Forest Science》2018,75(3):80
Key message
The disturbance of a research plot by a windstorm allowed us to study the role of the seedling bank in the regeneration processes. The released advance regeneration dominated among the saplings; taller individuals retained their position until the end of the study. Pioneer species occurred sporadically. Seven years after the disturbance, the windthrow was covered by a dense thicket of young trees.Context
The dominant role played by advance regeneration in natural regeneration processes after intense wind disturbances is still a matter of dispute.Aims
We took advantage of a windstorm in one of our research plots to study the role of the seedling bank released by the disturbance in the regeneration processes.Methods
We collected data in 70 plots, recording the survivorship of seedlings, annual height growth, and signs of browsing. The height ranking was analyzed with Kendall’s concordance coefficient, and the height growth rates were compared using Dunn’s test.Results
The density of seedlings increased from 6.7/m2 in 2008 to 8.1/m2 in 2010 and then decreased to 1.2/m2 in 2015. The density of saplings increased continuously from 0.14 to 1.9/m2. The highest size differentiation occurred in sycamore maple; the individuals which were taller before the windstorm retained their position until the year 2015. The only species that was recruited mainly from germinants was European hornbeam.Conclusion
The advance regeneration released by the windstorm played a major role in the regeneration process, while pioneer species occurred only sporadically. Seven years after the disturbance, the windthrow was already covered by a dense thicket of young trees.7.
José Ramón González-Olabarria Jordi Garcia-Gonzalo Blas Mola-Yudego Timo Pukkala 《Annals of Forest Science》2017,74(3):52
Key message
We generate flexible management rules for black pine stands, adaptable to alternative stand management situations and entailing thinnings, final-felling, and salvage cuts, based on the results on 270 stand level optimizations.Context
Forest management instructions often rely on the anticipated prediction of the stand development, which poses a challenge on variable economic and environmental conditions. Instead, an alternative approach to better adapt forest management decisions to changing conditions is defining flexible rules based on thresholds that trigger management operations.Aims
This article develops rules for the adaptive management of P. nigra stands in Catalonia (Spain) addressing the risk of fire and post-fire forest management.Methods
The stochastic version of the simulation-optimization system RODAL was used to optimize the management of forest stands in three sites under different fire probability levels. A total of 270 optimizations were done varying site fertility, fire probability, and economic factors. The results of the optimizations were used as the basis of flexible forest management rules for adaptive stand management.Results
The developed management rules defined the basal area limit for thinning, the thinning intensity, the mean tree diameter at which regeneration cuttings should start, and the basal area below which a salvage cutting should be done. Fire risk was not a significant predictor of the models for thinning and final cutting rules.Conclusion
The presented rules provide a flexible tool for forest management during the stand development and under changing conditions when the management objective is to maximize economic profitability of timber production.8.
Damien Bonal Mathilde Pau Maude Toigo André Granier Thomas Perot 《Annals of Forest Science》2017,74(4):72
Key message
Mixing sessile oak and Scots pine in central France to reduce intraspecific competition for water resources did not improve the ability of these two species to withstand severe drought during the summer.Context
In order to reduce the impact of increasingly extreme droughts on forests, managers must adapt their practices to future climate conditions. Maintaining a greater diversity of tree species in temperate forest ecosystems is one of the recommended options.Aims
We addressed how interactions between sessile oak and Scots pine in mixed forests in central France affect their functional response to drought.Methods
We characterized the carbon isotope composition (δ13C) in the tree growth rings formed during wet (2001, 2007) or dry (2003, 2004) summers for each of the two species growing both in pure and in mixed stands in order to compare the effect of stand composition on variations in carbon isotope discrimination (Δ13C) among contrasted years.Results
The severe drought in 2003 induced a strong decrease in Δ13C for all trees and in all stands as compared to 2001. This decrease was greater in pine than in oak. There was no significant difference between pure and mixed stands in the response of either species to drought.Conclusion
Mixing sessile oak and Scots pine in stands in central France does not improve the ability of either species to withstand severe drought during the summer.9.
Susanne Brandl Tobias Mette Wolfgang Falk Patrick Vallet Thomas Rötzer Hans Pretzsch 《Annals of Forest Science》2018,75(2):56
Key message
Static site indices determined from stands’ top height are derived from different forest inventory sources with height and age information and thus enable comparisons and modeling of a species’ productivity encompassing large environmental gradients.Context
Estimating forest site productivity under changing climate requires models that cover a wide range of site conditions. To exploit different inventory sources, we need harmonized measures and procedures for the productive potential. Static site indices (SI) appear to be a good choice.Aims
We propose a method to derive static site indices for different inventory designs and apply it to six tree species of the German and French National Forest Inventory (NFI). For Norway spruce and European beech, the climate dependency of SI is modeled in order to estimate trends in productivity due to climate change.Methods
Height and age measures are determined from the top diameters of a species at a given site. The SI is determined for a reference age of 100 years.Results
The top height proves as a stable height measure that can be derived harmoniously from German and French NFI. The boundaries of the age-height frame are well described by the Chapman-Richards function. For spruce and beech, generalized additive models of the SI against simple climate variables lead to stable and plausible model behavior.Conclusion
The introduced methodology permits a harmonized quantification of forest site productivity by static site indices. Predicting productivity in dependence on climate illustrates the benefits of combined datasets.10.
Estelle Noyer Barbara Lachenbruch Jana Dlouhá Catherine Collet Julien Ruelle François Ningre Meriem Fournier 《Annals of Forest Science》2017,74(2):46
Key message
The position of trees in the canopy impacts xylem structure and its inter-annual variation. After canopy release, the increase in the hydraulic conductivity of growth rings was driven by an increase in radial growth in large trees, and by both an increase in radial growth and changes in xylem structure in saplings.Context
Forest canopies are frequently subjected to disturbances that allow understory trees to access the upper canopy. The effect of canopy release on xylem anatomy has been assessed in juvenile trees and saplings, while the potential acclimation of larger trees remains poorly documented.Aims
We estimated the potential hydraulic conductivity of growth rings in large understory trees compared to overstory trees, and evaluated the responses to canopy release in large trees and in saplings.Methods
We recorded radial growth, wood density, and vessel structure in beech trees according to their position within the canopy and their size. Xylem traits were followed during 6 years after canopy release for large trees, and during 2 years for saplings. Vessel diameter and frequency as well as ring area were used to compute the potential annual ring hydraulic conductivity.Results
Large understory trees displayed lower radial growth increments and lower potential annual ring hydraulic conductivity than overstory trees. After canopy release, potential annual ring hydraulic conductivity increased in large trees, due exclusively to increased radial growth without any change in specific hydraulic conductivity. It increased in saplings due to both increased radial growth and increased specific conductivity.Conclusion
Tree size impacted xylem structure and resulted in plasticity of the potential hydraulic conductivity of the annual tree ring following canopy release.11.
Key message
Liming, an ameliorative method for acidified forest soils, affected the relative abundance of prey of ground-hunting spiders and consequently reduced densities of functionally similar species of these predators.Context
Liming, an ameliorative method for acidified forest soils, may modify the structure of an arthropod community by altering the soil characteristics and/or the availability of food resources.Aims
We investigated the effect of liming on the community structure of ground-hunting spiders in a birch forest.Methods
We established six experimental birch stand plots. Each stand was exposed to one of three experimental treatments: control, 1.5 t/ha, or 3 t/ha of dolomitic limestone. We collected spiders using pitfall traps during 5 years. We characterized the community in terms of activity density, species richness, community-weighted mean body size, and functional diversity and evenness in body size. We further investigated the potential links through which the liming might affect spiders, namely soil characteristics, effect of liming on birch, and densities of potential prey.Results
The commonly used dosage of 3 t/ha reduced densities of functionally similar species which led to the reduced functional evenness in body size and increased functional divergence in body size. Liming increased soil pH only slightly but decreased the densities of spiders’ preferred prey.Conclusion
The liming affected the community of ground-hunting spiders, at least partially, through reduced densities of their preferred prey.12.
Jarosław G. Paluch Zbigniew Kołodziej Jerzy Skrzyszewski Leszek Bartkowicz Piotr Gruba 《Annals of Forest Science》2016,73(4):1015-1024
Key message
In Abies alba Mill. stands and mixed stands of A. alba and Picea abies L. (H. Karst), microsites neighbouring the trunks of adult trees were more conducive to A. alba regeneration. Although at the stand level, the effect of Fagus sylvatica L. was positive; the local effect of the adult F. sylvatica neighbourhood was insignificant. Hence, forming mixed stands with a fine-grained mosaic of admixed species might better facilitate natural regeneration of A. alba than monospecific stands.Context
The establishment of natural regeneration in Abies alba Mill. stands is a slow, spatially heterogeneous and stochastic process. Recent studies based on inventory data indicate that A. alba more readily regenerates in mixed stands than in monospecific stands.Aims
The objective was to examine how this positive association evidenced at the stand level operates on the scale of microsites with contrasting local species composition and stand density.Methods
In 8 monospecific and 22 mixed stands with Fagus sylvatica L. or Picea abies L. (H. Karst), microsites with a contrasting density of A. alba seedlings were selected and compared in terms of local species composition, stand density, canopy characteristics and topsoil properties.Results
In A. alba stands, seedling density was positively associated with the proximity of adult trees. In mixed stands of A. alba and P. abies, adult trees of both species exerted a positive effect on A. alba regeneration, but the P. abies neighbourhood influenced regeneration occurrence more strongly than the A. abies neighbourhood. In mixtures with F. sylvatica, however, the effect of local stand density and local species composition was not evidenced at all.Conclusion
Although at the stand level, P. abies and F. sylvatica exert a positive effect on A. alba regeneration, on the microsite scale, their influences differ. In stands with a dominance of A. alba, the hampered seedling establishment in gaps may be considered an inhibitive effect that facilitates the emergence of other species.13.
Lauren S. Pile G. Geoff Wang Benjamin O. Knapp Guohua Liu Dapao Yu 《Annals of Forest Science》2017,74(4):68
Key message
The suite of traits expressed as seedlings by coastal and mountain longleaf pine and south Florida slash pine suggest they can survive fire in the seedling stage. In contrast, loblolly pine and typical slash pine tolerate fire when mature but do not exhibit traits that allow them to survive fire when young, representing a different strategy for survival in frequently burned communities.Context
Fire is an important driver in the distribution and abundance of southern US pine species, and seedling fire tolerance often determines individual survival under frequent fire regimes.Aims
We investigated seedling growth, biomass allocation, needle distribution, bark thickness, and total non-structural carbohydrate (TNC) storage in taproots and related them to the expression of fire-tolerance for five species or types, including loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.), two longleaf pine (P. palustris Mill.) types representing two distinct ecological communities (coastal and mountain) and two slash pine (P. elliottii Englem.) varieties.Methods
We analyzed the relationship of seedling growth, biomass characteristics, and total non-structural carbohydrate storage between species by using analysis of variance.Results
Both coastal and mountain longleaf pines had thick bark, long, densely arranged needles, and a grass-stage. South Florida slash pine shared the same suite of traits but, contrary to previous reports, displayed reduced height growth rather than a grass-stage. In contrast, loblolly pine and typical slash pine had faster height growth, more branching, lower needle density, and thinner bark. Both longleaf pines and south Florida slash pine also had higher TNC storage in taproots than either loblolly or typical slash pines.Conclusion
The relative strength of expression of these fire-adaptation traits among the five species types generally matches the fire-return intervals associated with each species’ habitat, suggesting the importance of fire regimes in determining the distribution and abundance of the studied species.14.
Pau Brunet-Navarro Frank J. Sterck Jordi Vayreda Jordi Martinez-Vilalta Godefridus M.J. Mohren 《Annals of Forest Science》2016,73(4):1025-1034
Key message
Self-thinning lines are species- and climate-specific, and they should be used when assessing the capacity of different forest stands to increase biomass/carbon storage.Context
The capacity of forests to store carbon can help to mitigate the effects of atmospheric CO2 rise and climate change. The self-thinning relationship (average size measure ~ stand density) has been used to identify the potential capacity of biomass storage at a given density and to evaluate the effect of stand management on stored carbon. Here, a study that shows how the self-thinning line varies with species and climate is presented.Aims
Our main objective is thus testing whether species identity and climate affect the self-thinning line and therefore the potential amount of carbon stored in living biomass.Methods
The Ecological and Forest Inventory of Catalonia was used to calculate the self-thinning lines of four common coniferous species in Catalonia, NE Iberian Peninsula (Pinus halepensis, Pinus nigra, Pinus sylvestris and Pinus uncinata). Quadratic mean diameter at breast height was chosen as the average size measure. The self-thinning lines were used to predict the potential diameter at a given density and study the effect of environmental variability.Results
Species-specific self-thinning lines were obtained. The self-thinning exponent was consistent with the predicted values of ?3/2 and ?4/3 for mass-based scaling for all species except P. sylvestris. Species identity and climatic variability within species affected self-thinning line parameters.Conclusion
Self-thinning lines are species-specific and are affected by climatic conditions. These relationships can be used to refine predictions of the capacity of different forest stands to increase biomass/carbon storage.15.
Nicolas Marron Pierrick Priault Cécilia Gana Dominique Gérant Daniel Epron 《Annals of Forest Science》2018,75(1):23
Key message
In a mixed poplar/black locust plantation in central France, adverse conditions have led to a prevalence of interspecific competition, resulting in a poorer performance than monocultures.Context
In mixed tree plantations, the presence of woody N2-fixing species is thought to reduce N needs by fertilization. However, benefits associated to soil nitrogen enrichment have to outweigh the negative effects of interspecific competition. To do so, co-occurring tree species have to be chosen carefully to promote niche sharing between species and reduce competition. Black locust and poplar mixtures therefore seem promising since both species are fast growing and have potentially complementary crown shapes.Aims
Our objective was to evaluate the impact of the poplar/black locust mixture on the growth, above- and belowground biomass production, and nitrogen allocation of the two species, as compared to their respective monocultures.Methods
An experimental plantation mixing poplar and black locust was set up in central France. For five growing seasons, growth, nitrogen allocation, and carbon allocation were monitored for the two species growing either in mixture or in monoculture.Results
After a couple of promising growing seasons, black locust growth and survival slowly declined, mainly in the mixture. At the stand level, biomass production in the mixed plots was nearly 50% below the most productive monoculture (poplar) by age 5 years.Conclusion
Under adverse conditions, interspecific competition in the mixture was the preponderant interaction, resulting in higher mortality and lower biomass production than the two monocultures.16.
Christian Kuehne Aaron Weiskittel Arne Pommerening Robert G. Wagner 《Annals of Forest Science》2018,75(1):20
Key message
Detailed measures of growth pattern and structural heterogeneity applied in this study helped to quantify the immediate effects of various thinning regimes on forest structure and the resulting alterations in tree size as well as observed longer term stand dynamics.Context
Forest management, stand structure, and tree growth are highly inter-correlated. Prior analyses, however, have resulted in mixed outcomes with limited success in revealing ecological mechanisms.Aims
The study aimed at evaluating the relationship between forest structure and stand dynamics by applying several sophisticated measures of growth pattern and structural heterogeneity.Methods
Data from a controlled and fully stem-mapped commercial thinning experiment with seven contrasting treatments including a non-thinned control at six locations across the Acadian Forest of Maine, USA, was used. Stand-level attributes examined included tree size and growth heterogeneity, spatial tree distribution, and growth dominance.Results
Thinning generally reduced stand structural heterogeneity compared to the non-thinned control. In addition, the spatial arrangement of trees changed from fully random (non-thinned control) to a more clustered (removal of dominant and co-dominant individuals) or regular distribution (removal of intermediate and suppressed individuals). Overall, stand growth exhibited increasing (non-thinned control, removal of intermediate and suppressed individuals) or decreasing growth dominance of large trees (removal of co-dominant competitors). Forwarder trails increased basal area growth of individual trees up to a distance from the trail of approximately 5 m.Conclusion
Findings of this study validate an earlier insight according to which interactions between management practices, forest structure, and tree growth form a permanent feedback loop.17.
Elisabeth Wallin Daniel Gräns Douglass F. Jacobs Anders Lindström Nathalie Verhoef 《Annals of Forest Science》2017,74(3):59
Key Message
Gene expression analysis showed that prolonged short day (SD) treatment deepened dormancy and stimulated development of freezing tolerance of Picea abies seedlings. Prolonged SD treatment also caused later appearance of visible buds in autumn, reduced risks for reflushing, and promoted earlier spring bud break.Context
Short day (SD) treatment of seedlings is a common practice in boreal forest tree nurseries to regulate shoot growth and prepare the seedlings for autumn planting or frozen storage.Aims
The aim of this study was to examine responses of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) to a range of SD treatments of different length and evaluate gene expression related to dormancy induction and development of freezing tolerance.Methods
The seedlings were SD treated for 11 h a day during 7, 14, 21, or 28 days. Molecular tests were performed, and the expression profiles of dormancy and freezing tolerance-related genes were analyzed as well as determination of shoot growth, bud set, bud size, reflushing, dry matter content, and timing of spring bud break.Results
The 7-day SD treatment was as effective as longer SD treatments in terminating apical shoot growth. However, short (7 days) SD treatment resulted in later activation of dormancy-related genes and of genes related to freezing tolerance compared to the longer treatments which had an impact on seedling phenology.Conclusion
Gene expression analysis indicated an effective stimulus of dormancy-related genes when the SD treatment is prolonged for at least 1–2 weeks after shoot elongation has terminated and that seedlings thereafter are exposed to ambient outdoor climate conditions.18.
Key message
Cattle grazing and overstory cover restrict understory growth and interact in shaping the understory community structure in Mediterranean conifer plantations.Context
Understanding how silvicultural manipulations drive understory structure and function in Mediterranean pine plantations is essential for their multifunctional management.Aims
This paper aims to study the interactive effects of cattle grazing and overstory thinning on understory structure and function.Methods
Ten plots (0.25 ha) were selected in East Mediterranean mature Pinus brutia plantation (rainfall = 600 mm year?1) representing thinned (≈100 trees ha?1, leaf area index (LAI) ≈ 1.6) and non-thinned (≈230 trees ha?1, LAI ≈ 3.5) areas. Two subplots (100 m2) within each plot were fenced in 2000 and 2006 while a third one remained grazed. Understory growth and species composition were measured in 2010.Results
Thinning and grazing exclusion both positively influenced woody growth with their combined effect during 10 years leading to 20-fold increase in vegetation volume. An increase (15-fold) in herbaceous biomass was recorded 4 years after grazing exclusion but disappeared 10 years after exclusion due to increased woody cover. Species richness was not influenced by grazing but was positively affected by thinning. Understory composition was affected by grazing × thinning interaction with herbaceous ephemerals and short woody species being more frequent in grazed, thinned areas while larger woody species were more associated with ungrazed, non-thinned areas.Conclusion
Grazing impacts on forest understories depend on overstory cover. We propose variable grazing-thinning combinations to meet multiple management objectives.19.
María Pasalodos-Tato Timo Pukkala Isabel Cañellas Mariola Sánchez-González 《Annals of Forest Science》2018,75(2):61
Key message
Optimal management of cork oak forest stands was analyzed for different site indices and cork growth rates. Optimal debarking intervals varied during the rotation and were sometimes shorter or longer than the officially recommended range of 9–14 years.Context
Quercus suber L. is one of the most important multipurpose tree species in the Mediterranean area. Its main product is cork, appreciated for its elasticity, impermeability, and thermal insulation properties. Cork oaks are debarked at constant intervals, which vary from 9 to 14 years depending on the area. However, since the growth rate of cork is not constant during the rotation, it may be optimal to use variable debarking intervals.Aims
This study optimized the debarking and cutting schedules of Quercus suber stands and analyzed the influence of economic and stand-related factors on optimal management.Methods
The study employed a simulation system where the existing growth and yield models for Quercus suber were used with a non-linear derivative-free optimization algorithm. Discount rates and cork prices were tested as economic factors and cork growth rate and site productivity as stand-related factors.Results
The optimal debarking interval varied during the rotation. Increasing cork growth rate increased the optimal number of debarkings and shortened their interval. Decreasing discount rate increased the optimal number of debarkings during rotation while decreasing cork price decreased the number of debarkings.Conclusion
The profitability of the management of cork oak stands depends on site fertility and stand density; management is not profitable on poor sites or at high discount rates. This study is the first that simultaneously optimizes the cutting and debarking schedule of cork oak stands, allowing the debarking interval to vary.20.
Xianyu Yang Shouzhong Li Baocheng Shen Yuyan Wu Suitao Sun Rong Liu Ruibo Zha Shou-Li Li 《Annals of Forest Science》2018,75(3):84