Forests

Editorial

6 pages, 685 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Natural Disturbance Dynamics Analysis for Ecosystem-Based Management—FORDISMAN

by Kalev Jõgiste, Lee E. Frelich, Floortje Vodde, Ahto Kangur, Marek Metslaid and John A. Stanturf

Forests 2020, 11(6), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/f11060663 - 11 Jun 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2191

Abstract

Forest ecosystems are shaped by disturbances and functional features of vegetation recovery after disturbances. There is considerable variation in basic disturbance characteristics, magnitude, severity, and intensity. Disturbance legacies provide possible explanations for ecosystem resilience. The impact (length and strength) of the pool of [...] Read more.

Forest ecosystems are shaped by disturbances and functional features of vegetation recovery after disturbances. There is considerable variation in basic disturbance characteristics, magnitude, severity, and intensity. Disturbance legacies provide possible explanations for ecosystem resilience. The impact (length and strength) of the pool of ecosystem legacies and how they vary at different spatial and temporal scales is a most promising line of further research. Analyses of successional trajectories, ecosystem memory, and novel ecosystems are required to improve modelling in support of forests. There is growing evidence that managing ecosystem legacies can act as a driver in adaptive management to achieve goals in forestry. Managers can adapt to climate change and new conditions through anticipatory or transformational strategies of ecosystem management. The papers presented in this Special Issue covers a wide range of topics, including the impact of herbivores, wind, and anthropogenic factors, on ecosystem resilience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Disturbance Dynamics Analysis for Forest Ecosystem Management)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

15 pages, 2904 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Possibility of Using the Chapman–Richards and Näslund Functions to Model Height–Diameter Relationships in Hemiboreal Old-Growth Forest in Estonia

by Kristi Nigul, Allar Padari, Andres Kiviste, Steffen M. Noe, Henn Korjus, Diana Laarmann, Lee E. Frelich, Kalev Jõgiste, John A. Stanturf, Teele Paluots, Eneli Põldveer, Vivika Kängsepp, Harli Jürgenson, Marek Metslaid and Ahto Kangur

Forests 2021, 12(2), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12020184 - 6 Feb 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3285

Abstract

In light of the difficulties in stand volume estimation of natural forests, we analyzed height–diameter relationships and derived a set of height estimation equations for volume estimation for naturally developing forest ecosystems, using the Järvselja old-growth and the Laeva commercial forest in Estonia [...] Read more.

In light of the difficulties in stand volume estimation of natural forests, we analyzed height–diameter relationships and derived a set of height estimation equations for volume estimation for naturally developing forest ecosystems, using the Järvselja old-growth and the Laeva commercial forest in Estonia as a case study. This contribution presents an approach to model individual tree height–diameter relationships for Scots pine, common aspen, silver and downy birch, Norway spruce, black alder, gray alder, linden species, European ash, Norway maple, deciduous species and coniferous species in multi-size and mixed-species naturally developing stands in Estonia. Single-tree-level data were collected in 2013. Two methods were used to obtain stand-level data: whole surface inventory and partial surface inventory. To model the height–diameter relationship in naturally developed mixed-species forest stands in order to predict single tree height based on observed diameter at breast height, we applied nonlinear mixed models where we applied the Chapman–Richards and Näslund models as fixed-effects and the influence of the species contribution at the sites as random effects. The fixed-effects followed a set of criteria: (1) height starts at h = 1.3; d = 0; (2) the applied functions are monotonically increasing with a clear inflection point and 3) the fixed-effect model has an asymptotic value) in a naturally developed mixed-species forest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Disturbance Dynamics Analysis for Forest Ecosystem Management)

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13 pages, 7525 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Norway Spruce Survival Rate in Two Forested Landscapes, 1975–2016

by Endijs Bāders, Oskars Krišāns, Jānis Donis, Didzis Elferts, Ieva Jaunslaviete and Āris Jansons

Forests 2020, 11(7), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/f11070745 - 9 Jul 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2685

Abstract

The increasing frequency and severity of natural disturbances (e.g., storms and insect outbreaks) due to climate change are expected to reduce the abundance of Norway spruce stands in the European forests. Under such conditions, the assessment of status quo on focusing on survival [...] Read more.

The increasing frequency and severity of natural disturbances (e.g., storms and insect outbreaks) due to climate change are expected to reduce the abundance of Norway spruce stands in the European forests. Under such conditions, the assessment of status quo on focusing on survival of Norway spruce stands are essential for the agility of forest management strategies. The dynamics (mortality rate) of Norway spruce stands in hemiboreal forests based on forest inventories for the period from 1975 to 2016 (inventories of 1975, 1985, 1999, 2011 and 2016) were analyzed in two forest landscapes in the western and eastern parts of Latvia (Vane and Dviete, respectively). The spatiotemporal changes in age-dependent mortality differing by abundance of Norway spruce and disturbance regime were assessed, focusing on the transitions of stands between age groups (inventories). The age-related changes in probability of stands transitioning into the next age group contrasted (p < 0.001) between sites. In Vane, the survival of stands between inventories was constant (ca. 90%), while in Dviete, it decreased sharply from 85.7% during 1985–1999 inventories to 49.3% in 2011–2016. Age-related decreases in stand survival showed local dependencies between both landscapes, namely, in Vane, notable decreases started from 61 years, while in Dviete, the downward trends started already from 31 years, probably due to different disturbance regimes. This suggests that, in forest management planning, the different outcomes for mortality patterns between both landscapes must be considered and should not be generalized for a whole country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Disturbance Dynamics Analysis for Forest Ecosystem Management)

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12 pages, 2451 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Effect of Lophodermium Needle Cast on The Growth of Scots Pine and Implications for Financial Outcomes

by Āris Jansons, Pauls Zeltiņš, Jānis Donis and Una Neimane

Forests 2020, 11(7), 718; https://doi.org/10.3390/f11070718 - 29 Jun 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2631

Abstract

In Northern Europe, climate change may facilitate the prevalence of Scots pine, yet also promote the spread of pathogens attacking this species. A common biotic risk for Scots pine in nurseries and young stands is Lophodermium needle cast, primarily caused by Lophodermium seditiosum [...] Read more.

In Northern Europe, climate change may facilitate the prevalence of Scots pine, yet also promote the spread of pathogens attacking this species. A common biotic risk for Scots pine in nurseries and young stands is Lophodermium needle cast, primarily caused by Lophodermium seditiosum, which negatively affects the survival and growth of saplings. Reduced tree growth has been observed several years after damage by Lophodermium needle cast. However, for decision-making in protection or resistance breeding, an estimate of financial loss is important. Thus, the study aimed to assess the long-term influence of Lophodermium needle cast on the growth and financial value of Scots pine stands. The effect of needle cast damage during the sixth growing season on growth at the age of 17 years was evaluated in a control-crossed Scots pine progeny trial, and the results indicated a significantly negative effect on the height and diameter of the trees. A significant family effect also existed on the severity of the needle cast damage. Long-term simulations indicated that severely damaged Scots pines had a reduced equivalent annual annuity (EAA) of almost 100% at the final harvest. More intensive early management to reduce stand density could partly compensate for losses caused by needle cast. A higher EAA for the most resistant group of trees regardless of the stand management scenarios suggests an economically justified potential for improved resistance. Strong negative (−0.62 to −0.70) correlations of height and survival with the proportion of severely affected trees at the family mean level implies that resistant genotypes can be selected along with improved growth in progeny trials, which are affected by needle cast. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Disturbance Dynamics Analysis for Forest Ecosystem Management)

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15 pages, 1327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tree Damage by Ice Accumulation in Norway Spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) Stands Regarding Stand Characteristics

by Silva Šēnhofa, Juris Katrevičs, Andis Adamovičs, Kārlis Bičkovskis, Endijs Bāders, Jānis Donis and Āris Jansons

Forests 2020, 11(6), 679; https://doi.org/10.3390/f11060679 - 13 Jun 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2456

Abstract

Freezing rain is a frequently occurring, but relatively rarely studied disturbance in Europe, although ice accumulation may occasionally cause severe damage for forestry. We aimed to characterize ice-accumulation damage to overstory trees in spruce stands, assess the probability of damage based on the [...] Read more.

Freezing rain is a frequently occurring, but relatively rarely studied disturbance in Europe, although ice accumulation may occasionally cause severe damage for forestry. We aimed to characterize ice-accumulation damage to overstory trees in spruce stands, assess the probability of damage based on the stand and individual tree parameters, and define the most significant parameters that affect the probability of individual tree damage in all stands and in recently thinned stands. Among the studied stands, the proportion of damaged overstory spruce ranged from 1.8% to 60.9% and was higher (p < 0.001) in recently thinned stands (27.8% ± 1.9%) than in the other stands (20.4% ± 1.6%). Stem breakage was the prevalent (98.5% ± 1.1%) damage type. At the stand level, the probability of damage decreased for older, less dense stands with a larger mean diameter. Within stands, overstory trees were more damaged (23.5% ± 1.2%; p < 0.001) than those in the lower stand layers, but, within overstory, trees with larger dimensions and a higher social position (high relative diameter and low slenderness ratio) and a higher proportion of crown were less damaged. The probability of breakage to overstory trees was most accurately predicted using almost the same variables for all stands and recently thinned stands. The site type, tree height, relative diameter, and crown ratio were common for both, with the addition of mean diameter at breast height for all stands and the stand density for recently thinned stands. Our results indicate the importance of the tree and stand characteristics on the resistance of individual tree to ice accumulation and the need for management practices that balance increased growth and the stability of trees throughout the rotation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Disturbance Dynamics Analysis for Forest Ecosystem Management)

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12 pages, 2480 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cost–Benefit Analysis of Measures to Reduce Windstorm Impact in Pure Norway Spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) Stands in Latvia

by Valters Samariks, Oskars Krisans, Janis Donis, Ilze Silamikele, Juris Katrevics and Aris Jansons

Forests 2020, 11(5), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/f11050576 - 21 May 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3269

Abstract

Wind is one of the major natural forest disturbances in Europe, and reduces the total economic (including carbon sequestration) value of forests. The aim of this study was to assess the financial benefit of silvicultural measures in young, pure, planted Norway spruce stands [...] Read more.

Wind is one of the major natural forest disturbances in Europe, and reduces the total economic (including carbon sequestration) value of forests. The aim of this study was to assess the financial benefit of silvicultural measures in young, pure, planted Norway spruce stands by reduction in the impact of wind damage over the rotation period. The analyzed measures are promptly applied precommercial thinning and low-density planting with improved plant material. Spatial information on factors affecting wind damage—wind climate and soil—were gathered and combined with the local growth model and empirical data from tree pulling experiments in Latvia to assess the economic value loss due to wind damage over a rotation period. Timely precommercial thinning and lower-density planting with improved plant material would ensure a positive net present value with an interest rate of 3%, using conservative estimates. The financial benefit is highest in windier (coastal) regions and for the planting, followed by moderate thinning. The results demonstrate that, even without changing the dominant tree species, a considerable reduction in wind-damage risk can be achieved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Disturbance Dynamics Analysis for Forest Ecosystem Management)

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13 pages, 1834 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deadwood Characteristics in Mature and Old-Growth Birch Stands and Their Implications for Carbon Storage

by Silva Šēnhofa, Ieva Jaunslaviete, Guntars Šņepsts, Jurģis Jansons, Līga Liepa and Āris Jansons

Forests 2020, 11(5), 536; https://doi.org/10.3390/f11050536 - 11 May 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3676

Abstract

As one of the most abundant tree species in the hemiboreal zone, birch is important from both commercial and biodiversity perspectives. While old-growth deciduous stands are important for biodiversity conservation with an emphasis on deadwood availability, the role that deadwood in these stands [...] Read more.

As one of the most abundant tree species in the hemiboreal zone, birch is important from both commercial and biodiversity perspectives. While old-growth deciduous stands are important for biodiversity conservation with an emphasis on deadwood availability, the role that deadwood in these stands plays in carbon sequestration remains unclear. We studied mature (71–110 years old) and old-growth (121–150 years old) birch stands on fertile mineral soils. The marginal mean deadwood volume was 43.5 ± 6.4 m³ ha⁻¹ in all mature stands, 51.3 ± 7.1 m³ ha⁻¹ in recently unmanaged mature stands, and 54.4 ± 4.4 m³ ha⁻¹ in old-growth stands; the marginal mean deadwood carbon pool for each stand type was 5.4 ± 0.8 t·ha⁻¹, 6.3 ± 0.9 t·ha⁻¹, and 7.9 ± 0.6 t·ha⁻¹, respectively. Deadwood volume was not related to stand productivity in terms of stand basal area, stand height, or stand age. The difference between mature and old-growth stands remained non-significant (p < 0.05). A high volume of deadwood was almost continuously present throughout the landscape in assessed unmanaged sites; moreover, 88% of sample plots in old-growth stands and 63% of sample plots in mature stands had a deadwood volume higher than 20 m³·ha⁻¹. Old-growth stands had a slightly greater volume of large deadwood than unmanaged mature stands; in both, almost half of the deadwood was more than 30 cm in diameter and approximately one-fifth had a diameter greater than 40 cm. Both groups of stands had similar proportions of coniferous and deciduous deadwood and lying and standing deadwood. Old-growth stands had a higher volume of recently and weakly decayed wood, indicating increased dieback during recent years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Disturbance Dynamics Analysis for Forest Ecosystem Management)

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15 pages, 2129 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stem Damage Modifies the Impact of Wind on Norway Spruces

by Guntars Snepsts, Mara Kitenberga, Didzis Elferts, Janis Donis and Aris Jansons

Forests 2020, 11(4), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/f11040463 - 19 Apr 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3762

Abstract

Bark stripping caused by cervids can have a long-lasting negative effect on tree vitality. Such trees of low vitality might be more susceptible to other disturbances. The amplifying effects of disturbance interactions can cause significantly more damage to forest ecosystems than the individual [...] Read more.

Bark stripping caused by cervids can have a long-lasting negative effect on tree vitality. Such trees of low vitality might be more susceptible to other disturbances. The amplifying effects of disturbance interactions can cause significantly more damage to forest ecosystems than the individual effects of each disturbance. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of bark stripping (stem damage) on the probability of wind damage and snapping height for Norway spruces (Picea Abies (L.) H. Karst.). In this study, we used the Latvian National Forest Inventory data from the period 2004–2018. In the analysis, we used data based on 32,856 trees. To analyse the data, we implemented a Bayesian binary logistic generalised linear mixed-effects model and the linear mixed-effects model. Our results showed that stem damage significantly increased the probability of wind damage and affected the snapping height of Norway spruces. Similarly, root damage, the slenderness ratio, the stand age, the stand density, the soil type, and the dominant tree species had a significant influence on the probability of wind damage. In both periods, trees with stem damage had significantly (p < 0.05) higher probability (odd ratio 1.68) to be wind damaged than trees without stem damage. The stem damaged Norway spruce trees snapped in the first 25% of the tree height, while trees without stem damage snapped around half (50%) of the tree height. Our results show that stem damage significantly alters the effect of wind damage on Norway spruces, suggesting that such damage must be incorporated into wind-risk assessment models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Disturbance Dynamics Analysis for Forest Ecosystem Management)

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8 pages, 1458 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Bark-Stripping on Mechanical Stability of Norway Spruce

by Oskars Krisans, Renate Saleniece, Steffen Rust, Didzis Elferts, Rolands Kapostins, Aris Jansons and Roberts Matisons

Forests 2020, 11(3), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/f11030357 - 21 Mar 2020

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3867

Abstract

The increasing effects of storms are considered the main abiotic disturbance affecting forest ecosystems. Bark-stripping damage from the growing ungulate populations, in turn, are among the main biotic risks, which might burden the stability of trees and stands. Therefore, the aim of our [...] Read more.

The increasing effects of storms are considered the main abiotic disturbance affecting forest ecosystems. Bark-stripping damage from the growing ungulate populations, in turn, are among the main biotic risks, which might burden the stability of trees and stands. Therefore, the aim of our study is to estimate the effect of cervid bark-stripping on the mechanical stability of Norway spruce using a static tree-pulling test. For the test, eight damaged and 11 undamaged canopy trees were selected from a 40-year old stand (plantation with 1 × 3 m spacing) growing on mineral mesotrophic soil. The selected trees were bark-stripped 7–9 years prior to the experiment. Uprooting was the most frequent type of failure; only two trees broke at the stem. For the damaged trees, the resistance to pulling was significantly reduced (p-value < 0.001). Stem volume and presence of bark-stripping were the best linear predictors of the basal bending moment at the primary failure (irreversible deformation of wood structure) and secondary failure (collapse of the tree). A significant (p-value < 0.001) interaction between stem–wood volume and presence of bark-stripping was observed for primary failure, indicating a size-dependent reduction of stability of the damaged trees. Such interaction lacked significance (p-value = 0.43) for the secondary failure (mostly uprooting), indicating a decrease in stability irrespectively of tree size. Somewhat surprisingly, the decrease in the overall mechanical stability of the bark-stripped trees appeared not to be related to a direct reduction of the strength of the stems, but rather to physiological effects such as altered allocation of carbon, increased drought stress because of interfered hydraulic conductance of wood, or secondary infestation. The reduced stability also suggests that bark-stripped trees can act as the weak spots decreasing the collective stability of stands in the long term, thus increasing the susceptibility to storms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Disturbance Dynamics Analysis for Forest Ecosystem Management)

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14 pages, 3095 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advance Regeneration of Norway Spruce and Scots Pine in Hemiboreal Forests in Latvia

by Solveiga Luguza, Guntars Snepsts, Janis Donis, Iveta Desaine, Endijs Baders, Mara Kitenberga, Didzis Elferts and Aris Jansons

Forests 2020, 11(2), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/f11020215 - 13 Feb 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3151

Abstract

Continuous cover forestry (CCF) aims to emulate small natural disturbances and take advantage of natural regeneration. To implement these management practices successfully, knowledge of advance regeneration under the canopy in different conditions is crucial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess [...] Read more.

Continuous cover forestry (CCF) aims to emulate small natural disturbances and take advantage of natural regeneration. To implement these management practices successfully, knowledge of advance regeneration under the canopy in different conditions is crucial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the influence of stand inventory parameters of canopy layer (age, basal area, height, and density) on the probability and density of advance regeneration of the Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in hemiboreal forests in Latvia. The data were obtained from the National Forest Inventory, from a total of 879 plots. In the study, only Norway spruce or Scots pine dominated stands were used and the sampled stand age ranged from 21 to 218 years. The probability of advance regeneration differed between stands dominated by Scots pine versus Norway spruce. The probability and density of the advance regeneration of Norway spruce were positively linked to increased stand age, whereas the probability of the advance regeneration of Scots pine was negatively linked to the basal area of the stand. In stands dominated by Norway spruce and Scots pine on mesic soils, the advance regeneration of Norway spruce has a high density, whereas the advance regeneration of Scots pine is sporadic and scarce. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Disturbance Dynamics Analysis for Forest Ecosystem Management)

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12 pages, 2653 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Patterns of Carbon Sequestration in a Young Forest Ecosystem after Clear-Cutting

by Sille Rebane, Kalev Jõgiste, Andres Kiviste, John A. Stanturf and Marek Metslaid

Forests 2020, 11(2), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/f11020126 - 21 Jan 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3918

Abstract

A large area of Estonian hemiboreal forest is recovering from clear-cut harvesting and changing carbon (C) balance of the stands. However, there is a lack of information about C- source/sink relationships during recovery of such stands. The eddy covariance technique was used to [...] Read more.

A large area of Estonian hemiboreal forest is recovering from clear-cut harvesting and changing carbon (C) balance of the stands. However, there is a lack of information about C- source/sink relationships during recovery of such stands. The eddy covariance technique was used to estimate C-status through net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO₂ in two stands of different development stages located in southeast Estonia in 2014. Measured summertime (June–September) mean CO₂ concentration was 337.75 ppm with mean NEE −1.72 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹. June NEE was −4.60 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹; July, August, and September NEE was −1.17, −0.77, and −0.25 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹, respectively. The two stands had similar patterns of CO₂ exchange; measurement period temperature drove NEE. Our results show that after clear-cutting a 6-year-old forest ecosystem was a light C-sink and 8-year-old young stand demonstrated a stronger C-sink status during the measurement period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Disturbance Dynamics Analysis for Forest Ecosystem Management)

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18 pages, 6217 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synchronous Growth Releases in Peatland Pine Chronologies as an Indicator for Regional Climate Dynamics—A Multi-Site Study Including Estonia, Belarus and Sweden

by Aleksei Potapov, Sandra Toomik, Maxim Yermokhin, Johannes Edvardsson, Ando Lilleleht, Andres Kiviste, Tanel Kaart, Sandra Metslaid, Arvo Järvet and Maris Hordo

Forests 2019, 10(12), 1097; https://doi.org/10.3390/f10121097 - 2 Dec 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2764

Abstract

Fourteen tree-ring chronologies developed from 788 peatland Scots pines sampled at sites in Estonia, Belarus and Sweden were compared for common growth trends and possible links to regional climate dynamics. Several synchronous growth release events were detected, especially during the 1910s, 1930s, and [...] Read more.

Fourteen tree-ring chronologies developed from 788 peatland Scots pines sampled at sites in Estonia, Belarus and Sweden were compared for common growth trends and possible links to regional climate dynamics. Several synchronous growth release events were detected, especially during the 1910s, 1930s, and around 1970 and 1990, indicating that hydrological shifts and associated tree growth responses have been governed by similar forcing mechanisms, at least during the 20th century. In general, the best agreements were observed between the tree populations from Estonia and Belarus, but synchronous growth changes could also be detected between the Swedish and Estonian material. Trends detected in single tree-ring chronologies may be linked to local peatland management or land-use changes, whereas common variations detected at multiple sites are more likely linked to hydrological changes in the peatlands associated with regional climate dynamics. Understanding the links between climate and processes that involve peatland hydrology and vegetation responses is important since peatland ecosystems are key players in the global carbon cycle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Disturbance Dynamics Analysis for Forest Ecosystem Management)

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11 pages, 1257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Genetic Diversity in Naturally Regenerated Norway Spruce Stands and Seed Orchard Progeny Trials

by Dainis Ruņģis, Solveiga Luguza, Endijs Bāders, Vilnis Šķipars and Āris Jansons

Forests 2019, 10(10), 926; https://doi.org/10.3390/f10100926 - 21 Oct 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3494

Abstract

Forest ecosystems in Europe are expected to experience changes in temperature and water regimes associated with increased risks of extreme environmental events and disasters. Genetic diversity and relatedness has been linked to resilience of forest stands and landscapes. Genetic diversity indicators were compared [...] Read more.

Forest ecosystems in Europe are expected to experience changes in temperature and water regimes associated with increased risks of extreme environmental events and disasters. Genetic diversity and relatedness has been linked to resilience of forest stands and landscapes. Genetic diversity indicators were compared between a Norway spruce population naturally regenerated after extensive windthrow and Norway spruce progeny populations derived from two seed orchards. In addition, genetic diversity in an undisturbed stand in a long established national park and a spruce genetic resource stand were analyzed. Populations were genotyped at 11 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci. Average genetic diversity indicators were similar across populations. However, the total number of alleles, average number of alleles over all loci, effective number of alleles, average gene diversity, and average allelic richness were highest in the naturally regenerated population and lowest in one of the seed orchard progeny populations. The genetic diversity in progeny from seed orchards used for stand renewal is comparable to the genetic diversity in naturally regenerated stands. However, fluctuations in seed production between years can have a large impact on genetic diversity in seed orchard progeny. The use of improved Norway spruce germplasm deployed via clonal seed orchards for forest renewal can maintain similar levels of genetic diversity compared to naturally regenerated stands, while also increasing production and timber quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Disturbance Dynamics Analysis for Forest Ecosystem Management)

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13 pages, 2530 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Distribution and Habitat Selection of Free-Ranging European Bison (Bison bonasus L.) in a Mosaic Landscape—A Lithuanian Case

by Vitas Marozas, Artūras Kibiša, Gediminas Brazaitis, Kalev Jõgiste, Kastytis Šimkevičius and Edmundas Bartkevičius

Forests 2019, 10(4), 345; https://doi.org/10.3390/f10040345 - 19 Apr 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4056

Abstract

In Lithuania, free-ranging European bison live sedentarily in the fragmented landscape of the central part of the country. The aim of this study was to analyze the distribution and habitat selection of European bison in a semi-isolated territory. Free-ranging European bison living sedentarily [...] Read more.

In Lithuania, free-ranging European bison live sedentarily in the fragmented landscape of the central part of the country. The aim of this study was to analyze the distribution and habitat selection of European bison in a semi-isolated territory. Free-ranging European bison living sedentarily have formed six groups in the mosaic landscape of central Lithuania. A herd of 34 individuals of European bison entered into a new semi-isolated territory in 2016. During the snow-free season, we tracked the movements of the herd by fitting a global positioning system (GPS) collar to the leading cow. To evaluate the home range and habitat selection, we used ArcGIS software, Jacobs’ index, and chi-square testing to verify significant differences between proportions. The home range of European bison was largest in spring, decreased in summer, and increased again in autumn; this was associated with feeding and the food supply in agricultural lands. European bison spent more time in the forest, especially during the daytime, due to disturbance, but in summer time and at night, the bison did not avoid agricultural land. In the forests, European bison preferred clear-cut, small-leaved deciduous (aspen, grey alder) forests of middle and mature age, but they avoided broad-leaved deciduous (ash), coniferous, and young forests. The increased number of European bison caused damage to agricultural crops and increased conflict with farmers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Disturbance Dynamics Analysis for Forest Ecosystem Management)

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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

15 pages, 3125 KiB

Open AccessReview

Are Secondary Forests Ready for Climate Change? It Depends on Magnitude of Climate Change, Landscape Diversity and Ecosystem Legacies

by Lee E. Frelich, Kalev Jõgiste, John Stanturf, Aris Jansons and Floortje Vodde

Forests 2020, 11(9), 965; https://doi.org/10.3390/f11090965 - 4 Sep 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4137

Abstract

In this review and synthesis paper, we review the resilience of secondary forests to climate change through the lenses of ecosystem legacies and landscape diversity. Ecosystem legacy of secondary forests was categorized as continuous forest, non-continuous forest, reassembled after conversion to other land [...] Read more.

In this review and synthesis paper, we review the resilience of secondary forests to climate change through the lenses of ecosystem legacies and landscape diversity. Ecosystem legacy of secondary forests was categorized as continuous forest, non-continuous forest, reassembled after conversion to other land uses, and novel reassembled forests of non-native species. Landscape diversity, including landforms that create varied local climatic and soil conditions, can buffer changing climate to some extent by allowing species from warmer climates to exist on warm microsites, while also providing refugial locations for species that grow in cool climates. We present five frames that allow forest managers to visualize a trajectory of change in the context of projected regional climate change, which are: Frame 1 (persistence), keep the same dominant tree species with little change; Frame 2 (moderate change), keep the same tree species with large changes in relative abundance; Frame 3 (forest biome change), major turnover in dominant tree species to a different forest biome; Frame 4 (forest loss), change from a forest to a non-forest biome; and Frame 5 (planted novel ecosystem), establish a novel ecosystem to maintain forest. These frames interact with ecosystem legacies and landscape diversity to determine levels of ecosystem resilience in a changing climate. Although forest readiness to adapt to Frame 1 and 2 scenarios, which would occur with reduced greenhouse gas emissions, is high, a business as usual climate change scenario would likely overwhelm the capacity of ecosystem legacies to buffer forest response, so that many forests would change to warmer forest biomes or non-forested biomes. Furthermore, the interactions among frames, legacies, and landscape diversity influence the transient dynamics of forest change; only Frame 1 leads to stable endpoints, while the other frames would have transient dynamics of change for the remainder of the 21st century. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Disturbance Dynamics Analysis for Forest Ecosystem Management)

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