Epiphytic lichen diversity in old‐growth and managedPicea abiesstands in southern Finland

Abstract

Abstract.Epiphytic and epixylic lichens were surveyed on 15 1‐ha plots in maturePiceaabies‐dominated boreal forests in southern Finland. The sample plots were classified into three groups according to the age of the dominant tree stand and recent signs of cutting: (1) early mature managed, ‘EM’ (95 ‐109 yr), (2) late mature managed, ‘LM’ (126 ‐ 145 yr) and (3) old‐growth, ‘OG’ (129 ‐ 198 yr). Two data sets on epiphytic and epixylic lichens were recorded from each plot: (1) species on basal trunks and branches ofPicea abiesand (2) species on all available woody substrates, including basal parts of all tree species, saplings, snags, logs and stumps.142 epiphytic and epixylic lichen species were found, of which 83 (58%) occurred onP. abies. Mean total numbers of species per sample plot were 69 in EM, 78 in LM and 88 in OG plots, species number onP. abieswere 47, 56, and 54 respectively. The LM plots had lower species numbers than OG plots, mainly due to the lack of oldPopulus tremulatrees, but they had higher species number than the EM plots mainly due to the higher age ofPicea abies. Differences in species composition, both within and between the three groups, were small. The results suggest that the epiphytic and epixylic lichen diversity in a managed stand can be increased by prolonging the rotation of the stand to >120 yr and by increasing the diversity of habitats in the stand.