The effect of shelterwood logging on the diversity of plant species in a beech (Fagus crenata) forest in Japan

Abstract

To clarify the effect of shelterwood logging on the diversity of plant species in a beech (Fagus crenata) forest in central Japan, we compared the species composition and the organization of vascular plant communities in stands that were managed 10 years ago with those in primary stands. There were no significant differences between the stands in the species diversity (H′, J′, and number of species) of either forest floor plants or tree species. The species diversity of forest floor plants was significantly positively correlated with stand structure parameters (number of stems and number of stems per individual, and frequency of occurrence of dwarf bamboo) that increased in value after logging. However, the number and the frequency of occurrence of species that occurred disproportionately in primary stands were significantly negatively correlated with the same parameters. Shelterwood logging has been reported to make effective beech regeneration more difficult in many Japanese beech forests, including this forest, but this method might not significantly affect plant species diversity.