Abstract
The cover of introduced tree species in Europe has recently increased, due to several factors. Attempts to understand the impact of non-native edificator trees on the environmental conditions and diversity of undergrowth have so far been limited to a few studies. In this paper, we analyse the effect of one of the most commonly planted non-native tree species–black pine (Pinus nigra J. F. Arnold) in the Carpathian-Pannonian region, north of the border of its native occurrence. The objectives of our study were to determine the following: (i) How does black pine, as a non-native edificator, change the forest structure and environmental conditions in comparison to those of native communities? (ii) How does black pine change the species composition of undergrowth in comparison to that of native communities? (iii) Which factors are associated with the impact of black pine on diversity? To answer these questions, we used the twin plot method, sampling two neighbouring plots with the same environmental conditions in which one plot of the pair is in a forest with native tree species composition and the second plot is in a planted non-native Pinus nigra plantation. We found that in forests dominated by the non-native black pine, (a) the tree canopy is significantly more open; (b) the cover of the shrub layer is significantly higher; (c) the needles of black pine form a significantly thicker litter layer and (d) the cover of the herb layer is significantly lower than that in the native forest. (e) Black pine plays a vital role in modifying local climate by altering air temperature and humidity; (f) there were no significant differences in the soil pH between black pine plantations and native forests; (g) the plantations of black pine cause changes in diversity at both the species and the community level and (h) the dissimilarity between black pine plantations and neighbouring native forests decreases at higher altitudes.
Highlights
IntroductionManaged forests, especially in temperate zones, cover a large proportion of the total forest area [1]
Managed forests, especially in temperate zones, cover a large proportion of the total forest area [1].One of the fundamental roles of foresters is selecting the tree species composition
This paper addresses the following questions: (i) How does black pine, in its function as a non-native edificator, change the structure and environmental conditions in comparison to those of native communities? (ii) How does black pine change the species composition of undergrowth in comparison to that of native communities? (iii) Which factors are associated with the impact of black pine on diversity?
Summary
Managed forests, especially in temperate zones, cover a large proportion of the total forest area [1]. One of the fundamental roles of foresters is selecting the tree species composition. Edificator species, species which have the great effect on the environment and, through it, on the other plants in the community, depending on their identity and level of dominance, influence the understory vegetation diversity and composition [2,3]. As a part of this effect, edificator species represent important factors affecting the spread and occurrence of non-native plants in forests [4]. Plantations of non-native trees form an important part of European forests. Introduced tree species in Europe cover an area of over 9.5 million ha, 4.4 percent of the total European forest area [1]
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