Tree species diversity change in natural regeneration of a beech forest under different management

Abstract

Biodiversity is deemed to play an important role in adaptation of forest ecosystems to climate change. However, there is ongoing research to determine if the best way to preserve or increase biodiversity is through leaving forest ecosystems to their natural-development. In this study we investigated how forest management can influence tree species diversity in a natural regenerating beech-dominated forest ecosystem. For this purpose, long-term research plots were established in 1989 to simulate different intensities of cutting intervention (including clear-cut) in mature forest stands. The natural regeneration was surveyed five times during the period between 2002 and 2012, 14–24years after the initial cutting. In addition to forest density, tree species and diversity indices (Hill E5 and Shannon H′) were used to quantify diversity and temporal change. Results show that management can impact development and diversity of natural regeneration, but this varied with management intensity. Only the initial cutting affected the development of successive young stands, and additional interventions did not lead to further changes in biodiversity. Beech, as the dominant species of the forests in long-term plots, had a high competitive ability however, the proportion of beech regeneration depended on the intensity of the initial cutting: more canopy openness resulted in a lower proportion of regeneration. Since beech is the most competitive species in the region, the most intensive forest management would be required to increase species diversity.