Species turnover during secondary succession in a laurel forest stand 60 years after clearcutting

Jesus Ramon Aboal,Jose Ramon Arevalo

doi:10.5424/fs/2015241-05776

Abstract

Aim of study: The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of clearcutting and recovery of a laurel forest stand, 50 years after felling.Area of study: Laurel forest stand in Agua García, Tenerife (Canary Islands)Material and methods: Structural stand parameters were measured in a large patch of laurel forest.Main results: The results revealed that Erica arborea and Ilex canariensis have acted as pioneer species in the broad sense of the term, while Morella faya has remained abundant throughout the study. Persea indica became increasingly dominant throughout succession, as indicated by several different structural parameters.Research highlights: Recovery of the laurel forest after clearcutting has been possible in some areas without any further forest management, as indicated by the species composition and forest structure.Key words: Canary Islands; Ecological Restoration; Laurel forest; Succession.

Highlights

Clearcutting is defined as anthropogenic disturbance that converts a forest stand to an early successional stage and is known to have potentially important environmental impacts (Smith et al, 1997)
Main results: The results revealed that Erica arborea and Ilex canariensis have acted as pioneer species in the broad sense of the term, while Morella faya has remained abundant throughout the study
Study of a laurel forest unmanaged since clearcutting provides a valuable opportunity to learn more about the long-term dynamics of laurel forest, as succession following this type of disturbance may be similar to succession following other types of stand replacement or gap openings

Summary

Introduction

Clearcutting is defined as anthropogenic disturbance that converts a forest stand to an early successional stage and is known to have potentially important environmental impacts (Smith et al, 1997). Species turnover during secondary succession in a laurel forest stand 50 years after clearcutting.

Results

Conclusion