Stand Structure in Pine,Spruce and Deciduous Forests: A Comparison Between Finnish and Russian Karelia

This study investigated the stand structure in pine, spruce and deciduous forests in the border district of Finland and Russia. A total of 46 mature forest stands was selected as pairs, the members of each pair being as similar as possible with respect to their forest site type, age, moisture and topography. The stands were then compared between the two countries by means of basal areas and number of stems. The proportions of dominating tree species were 2-12% lower, and correspondingly the proportions of secondary tree species higher, in Russian forests. The density of the forest stock was also higher in each forest type in Russia. The forests in the two countries differed most radically in terms of the abundance of dead trees. The amount was two to four times higher in Russian deciduous and spruce forests, and in pine forests the difference was 10-fold. The stand structures indicated that Russian coniferous stands, in particular, were more heterogeneous than intensively managed pine and spruce stands in Finland.     

Patterns of field layer invertebrates in successional stages of managed boreal forest: Implications for the declining Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus L. population

Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.) populations in Finland have decreased markedly during past decades. One of the assumed reasons is the decreased quality of brood feeding grounds since current forest management transfers mature forests to younger successional stages. We studied how different types of managed Finnish forests offer resources for capercaillie broods by comparing the vegetation and invertebrate fauna of four successional stages in the two most common forest types in Finland, spruce dominated Vaccinium myrtillus (MT) and pine dominated Vaccinium vitis-idaea (VT) type. Forest age class had a significant effect on the cover of bilberry. There was a positive correlation between bilberry cover and the biomass of larvae and of all invertebrates (including all developmental stages) both at the stand and the sample level. Both forest type and age class significantly affected the biomass of larvae. Mature stands and young stands had the highest biomass of larvae in both MT and VT. In both forest site types the sapling stands hosted the smallest biomass of larvae. The results suggest that successional stages that follow clear cutting seriously lowers the food availability for capercaillie chicks and also reduces the shelter that field layer might provide. However, already the young stages that follow sapling phases seem to provide both bilberries and invertebrates so it is quite unlikely that the bilberry abundance alone could explain the dramatic decline of the capercaillie.     

Forest structure classes in central Finnish Lapland

Structure classes and changes in the vegetation attributable to the altitude of the terrain were studied in the Hammastunturi virgin coniferous forest area. The area is located in Finnish Lapland, approximately 250–350 km to the north of the Arctic Circle (68°15'N; 68°45'N). The following forest classes were formed on the basis of the ground vegetation and stand coverage: (1) Pine stands, with birch admixture (n=14), (2) Vaccinium‐vitis‐idaea‐type pine stands (n = 24), (3) Vaccinium myrtillus‐type pine stands (n = 17), (4) mixed stands, dominated by pine (n = 8), (5) mixed stands, dominated by spruce (n=18), (6) paludified spruce stands (n = 3) and (7) vigorously growing spruce stands (n = 6). The forest structure classes were depicted using DCA ordinates. The differences were more distinct than those between the normal forest type classifications of the same sample plots. The basal area and volume of pine decreased with increasing altitude, while the proportion of spruce on those sample plots where it was present increased. Birch was present at an equal frequency at all altitudes. The floral composition and between‐species abundance changed along with increasing altitude. The change in floral frequencies could not be designated to a specific altitude zone.     

Habitat use of large ungulates in northeastern Germany in relation to forest management

Estimating large herbivore density has been a major area of research in recent decades. Previous studies monitoring ungulate density, however, focused mostly on determining animal abundance, and did not interpret animal distribution in relation to habitat parameters. We surveyed large ungulates in the Biodiversity Exploratory Schorfheide-Chorin using faecal pellet group counts. This allowed us to explore the link between relative ungulate abundance, habitat use, and browsing damage on trees in a region with several types of forest, including unharvested and age-class beech forests, as well as age-class pine forests. Our results demonstrate that roe deer and fallow deer relative abundance is negatively correlated with large tree cover, and positively correlated with the cover of small shrubs (Rubus spec., Vaccinium spec.), and winter food supply. Habitat use of roe deer and fallow deer, as estimated by counting faecal pellet groups, revealed a preference for mature pine forests, and avoidance of deciduous forests. This differential habitat use is explained by different distributions of high quality food resources during winter. The response of deer to understory cover differed between roe deer and fallow deer at high cover percentages. The amount of browsing damage we observed on coniferous trees was not consistent with the relative deer abundance. Browsing damage was consistently higher on most deciduous trees, except for beech saplings which sustained less damage when roe deer density was low. Because roe deer is a highly selective feeder, it was reported to affect tree diversity by feeding only on trees with high nutritional value. Consequently, we propose that managing the number of all deer species by hunting is necessary to allow successful forest regeneration. Such an adjustment to deer numbers would need to account for both current tree diversity and alternative food resources. Our findings may be applicable to other forest landscapes in northeastern Germany including mature pine stands and differently harvested deciduous forests.     

The response of ground vegetation to structural change during forest conversion in the southern Black Forest

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of forest conversion on forest floor vegetation. ‘Ecological’ forest conversion, as defined by an interdisciplinary southern Black Forest project group, describes the transformation of even-aged spruce (Picea abies L. H. Karst.) stands to structured continuous cover forests consisting of spruce (Picea abies), silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). In order to analyse the conversion process, four conversion stages were defined in a conceptual forest development model. Four forest districts deemed to be representative of the southern Black Forest region were selected for the study. The ground vegetation was initially classified independently from the stand structures. Subsequently, the relationship between stand structures, as determined by development stage, and ground vegetation was analysed. It was revealed that forest conversion modified the ground vegetation. The main factors influencing ground vegetation were the influence of broadleaves, predominately beech (F. sylvatica), on the canopy composition and litter coverage on the one hand; and the canopy coverage of spruce, the proportion of needle litter and the associated light penetration on the other. The prevalence of moss and vascular plant species preferring acidic sites found in spruce forests decreased during the transition process, whereas, species requiring a moderate base supply increased in abundance. The continuous cover forest representing the final stage of conversion increasingly contained a mixture of ground vegetation species normally associated exclusively with either conifer or deciduous forest. Due to the fact that there is an associated ground vegetation specific to the different stages of forest conversion in stands dominated by Norway spruce or European beech and a mixture in the latest conversion stages, large-scale forest conversion should be avoided in favour of management promoting a diversity of silvicultural goals and treatments in neighbouring stands. Only a variety of treatments ensures the maintenance of floristic diversity in the long-term.     

Evaluation of mature conifer plantations as secondary habitat for epigeic forest arthropods (Coleoptera: Carabidae; Araneae)

Spiders (Araneae) and ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) were studied in a woodland of the Northwest German lowland. An ancient oak–beech stand (170 years old) growing on mineral soil as well as a 110-year-old Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and a 55-year-old spruce (Picea spp.) forest growing on peat were investigated by pitfall trapping. A total of 155 species (39 carabids, 116 spiders) and 16,887 individuals (5269 carabids, 11,618 spiders) was recorded. Beetle diversity was high in the oak–beech stand and the spruce forest, but significantly lower in the pine forest. In both conifer plantations the activity density of carabids was considerably lower. Spider diversity was significantly higher in the spruce forest when compared to the beech and pine stand, respectively. Analyses of assemblage similarity distinguished clearly the fauna of all three stands. For each forest type, indicator species were detected. Although both conifer plantations were planted on former bogs, spider species typical of bogs were present only in the pine stand, not in the spruce stand. In both animal taxa, species typical of deciduous forests were more numerous and abundant in the oak–beech stand when compared to the conifer plantations. Although they were in direct contact, the conifer stands on peat only to a very low extent serve as secondary habitats for the epigeic fauna of the autochthonous deciduous woodland. During the 1990s, various agricultural programmes in Central Europe promoted such conifer plantations – in contrast, such afforestation measures on extensively used or fallow land of former bogs are not supported by the results of this study.     

Differences in the forest landscape structure along the Finnish–Russian border in southern Karelia

Abstract

This study describes forest landscape fragmentation and connectivity along the Finnish–Russian border near the Karelian Isthmus. The landscape pattern was analysed using classification data based on Landsat ETM+ and Landsat TM images in combination with systematic surveys in Finland (Finnish National Forest Inventory) (n=546) and the authors’ own fieldwork data in Russia (n=101). On the Finnish side the forest patches are significantly smaller than on the Russian side. In addition, the Finnish forests landscape is more scattered and distances between patches of the same forest type are longer. The Russian side is more dominated by broadleaved and mixed forest stands. The disparities are due to differences in forestry policy and traditions of forest practices. The growing conditions of the areas are similar. The habitat fragmentation and habitat connectivity are important issues because the Karelian Isthmus is one of three main corridors and migrating routes connecting large Russian boreal taiga forests and their fauna and flora with Finnish isolated boreal forests.     

Effects of fuel reduction on birds in pitch pine-scrub oak barrens of the United States

Fire-dependent ecosystems include some of the most threatened ecosystems in the world, and where fuels are allowed to accumulate, they can present significant threats to human life and property. Fuel reduction activities can be effective in reducing the risk of wildfire, but these practices need to be evaluated relative to their effect on biodiversity. We surveyed birds in an inland pitch pine-scrub oak barren, a fire-dependent plant community, in which fuel reduction had been carried out via thinning of canopy trees to reduce the risk of running crown fires. We hypothesized that thinning pitch pine forest would negatively affect the abundance of mature forest birds and positively affect the abundance of scrub-shrub birds. Our results confirmed these expectations: several mature forest bird species were less abundant in thinned pitch pine than unthinned pitch pine, although most of these species were also present in mixed deciduous forest, and therefore regionally well represented. In contrast, another group of bird species was scarce or absent from unthinned pitch pine and mixed deciduous forest, but present in thinned sites and scrub oak stands. These were scrub-shrub species that do not nest in mixed deciduous or pitch pine forest but depend on shrubland or savannah habitats that cover ∼3% of the region. We conclude that fuel reduction by thinning canopy trees at this site provides habitat for high-priority scrub-shrub bird species at the cost of modest reductions in numbers of forest birds whose regional aggregate population is large.     

Variation in post-wildfire regeneration of boreal mixedwood forests: underlying factors and implications for natural disturbance-based management

To test the direct regeneration hypothesis and support natural disturbance-based forest management we characterized the structure and composition of boreal mixedwood forests regenerating after large wildfires and examined the influence of pre-fire stand composition and post-fire competing vegetation. In stands which had been deciduous (Populus sp.)-dominated, conifer (white spruce)-dominated, or mixed pre-fire we measured regeneration stocking (presence in 10 m² plots), density and height 10–20 years post-burn in five wildfires in Alberta, Canada. Most plots regenerated to the deciduous or mixed stocking types; plots in the older fire and in stands that were pure conifer pre-fire had higher amounts of conifer regeneration. Surprisingly, regeneration in pre-fire ‘pure’ white spruce stands was most often to pine, although these had not been recorded in the pre-fire inventory. Pre-fire deciduous stands were the most resilient in that poplar species dominated their post-fire regeneration in terms of stocking, density and height. These stands also had the highest diversity of regenerating tree species and the most unstocked plots. High grass cover negatively affected regeneration density of both deciduous and conifer trees. Our results demonstrate the natural occurrence of regeneration gaps, pre- to post-fire changes in forest composition, and high variation in post-fire regeneration composition. These should be taken into consideration when developing goals for post-harvest regeneration mimicking natural disturbance.     

Optimizing the joint production of timber and bilberries

Berries and mushrooms are increasingly appreciated products of Finnish forests. Therefore, there is a need to integrate them in silvicultural planning. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) is an economically important wild berry that is widely collected for household consumption and sale in North Karelia, Finland. In this study, bilberry yield models developed recently were included in a stand growth simulator and the joint production of timber and bilberry was optimized by maximizing soil expectation value (SEV) with 3% discounting rate, assuming that 75% of the bilberry yield is harvested. The effect of bilberry production on the optimal stand management increased with increasing bilberry price. With high bilberry prices (4–8 € kg⁻¹) it was optimal to manage the mixed stand of Scots pine, Norway spruce and birch, and the pure stand of Norway spruce so as to promote bilberry production. In the Scots pine stand, where bilberry yields are higher, bilberry production affected optimal stand management already with a price of 2 € kg⁻¹. Compared to timber production, joint production led to longer rotation lengths, higher thinning intensities, more frequent thinnings, and higher share of Scots pine in the mixed stand. The contribution of bilberries to the total SEV increased with increasing bilberry price and discounting rate. In the mixed stand and pine stand the SEV of bilberry production, calculated with 3% discounting rate, exceeded the SEV of timber production when bilberry price was 4 € kg⁻¹.With 4% discounting rate this happened already with bilberry price of 2 € kg⁻¹. It was concluded that forest management which promotes bilberry yields is the most profitable in pine stands where the potential bilberry yields are high.     

Integrating the risk of wind damage into forest planning

Wind is the major abiotic risk factor in Finnish forests. Therefore, tools that help managers to assess the risk of wind damage are required. This study developed simple regression models for predicting the critical wind speed needed to uproot Scots pine, Norway spruce and birch trees at the stand edges in Finnish conditions, using the characteristics of the retained forest both downwind and upwind stands as predictors. Using information on the prevailing wind conditions in the region, the critical wind speeds were converted into probabilities of wind damage, from which a mean risk index was calculated. The mean risk index was used as an objective variable in heuristic optimisation. The results of minimizing the mean risk index were compared to other objective variables such as minimal height differences between adjacent stands. The residuals of the regression models of critical wind speeds were small, especially in Scots pine and birch. Increasing tree height of the downwind stand or area of the upwind stand (gap size) decreased the critical wind speed regardless of tree species, whereas increases in the dbh/height ratio of the downwind stand increased the critical wind speed. The shelter effect of upwind stand height was stronger in Norway spruce than in other tree species, whereas the effect of tree height of the downwind stand was larger in Scots pine and birch. Minimization of the mean risk of wind damage within forest landscapes led to smooth and non-fragmented landscape structures in terms of tree height. Incorporating even-flow constraints into the planning model led to a slight increase in the mean risk of wind damage. Of the surrogate methods for risk assessment minimization of height differences between adjacent stands performed well but not equally well as minimization of the mean risk index.     

Changes of plant species composition in the Šumava spruce forests,SW Bohemia,since the 1970s

Vegetation dynamics of three forest communities were studied by resampling of relevés recorded in the 1970s in the Bohemian Forest (Šumava Mountains). Results of multivariate analysis (RDA) confirmed significant time changes in species composition of the climax (Calamagrostio-Piceetum) and waterlogged (Bazzanio-Piceetum) spruce forests. The changes in the sphagnum-rich waterlogged spruce forests (Sphagno-Piceetum) are close to the level of significance. The main vegetation changes are represented by a decrease in cover and/or frequency of hygrophilous or sciophilous species (e.g. Athyrium distentifolium, Oxalis acetosella) in climax spruce forests, and an abundant increase of species, indicating a preference to drier stands or better light conditions (e.g. Calamagrostis villosa, Vaccinium vitis-idaea or Avenella flexuosa), in waterlogged spruce forests. We also found a higher proportion of meadow species (e.g. Anthoxanthum odoratum, Festuca rubra or Luzula multiflora) in the newly recorded relevés from waterlogged forests. Analysis of species number per plot showed a remarkable shift to species-rich communities, especially in waterlogged stands.We tried to find the possible factors responsible for the observed changes. Unfortunately, only indirect measurement of environmental factors using Ellenberg’s indicator values could be used and did not yield sufficient results. Thus, the changes observed in climax spruce forests were ascribed mainly to a decrease in canopy cover, which was directly estimated. In waterlogged forests, a complex of several general factors, which influence the climax spruce forest, had to be taken into account, such as: (i) a decrease in atmospheric acidification during the last 10–15 years and subsequent improvement in soil conditions, especially in waterlogged stands; (ii) fragmentation of forests as a result of bark-beetles attack; (iii) climate warming documented by long-term local meteorological measurements.     

Dynamics and potentials of carbon sequestration in managed stands and wood products in Finland under changing climatic conditions

Carbon (C) sequestration was studied in managed boreal forest stands and in wood products under current and changing climate in Finland. The C flows were simulated with a gap-type forest model interfaced with a wood product model. Sites in the simulations represented medium fertile southern and northern Finland sites, and stands were pure Scots pine and Norway spruce stands or mixtures of silver and pubescent birch.

Changing climate increased C sequestration clearly in northern Finland, but in southern Finland sequestration even decreased. Temperature is currently the major factor limiting tree growth in northern Finland. In southern Finland, the total average C balance over the 150 year period increased slightly in Scots pine stands and wood products, from 0.78 Mg C ha⁻¹ per year to 0.84 Mg C ha⁻¹ per year, while in birch stands and wood products the increase was larger, from 0.64 Mg C ha⁻¹ per year to 0.92 Mg C ha⁻¹ per year. In Norway spruce stands and wood products, the total average balance decreased substantially, from 0.96 Mg C ha⁻¹ per year to 0.32 Mg C ha⁻¹ per year. In northern Finland, the total average C balance of the 150 year period increased under changing climate, regardless of tree species: in Scots pine stands and wood products from 1.10 Mg C ha⁻¹ per year to 1.42 Mg C ha⁻¹ per year, in Norway spruce stands and wood products from 0.69 Mg C ha⁻¹ per year to 0.99 Mg C ha⁻¹ per year, and in birch stands and wood products from 0.43 Mg C ha⁻¹ per year to 0.60 Mg C ha⁻¹ per year.

C sequestration in unmanaged stands was larger than in managed systems, regardless of climate. However, wood products should be included in C sequestration assessments since 12–55% of the total 45–214 Mg C ha⁻¹ after 150 years' simulation was in products, depending on tree species, climate and location. The largest C flow from managed system back into the atmosphere was from litter, 36–47% of the total flow, from vegetation 22–32%, from soil organic matter 25–30%. Emissions from the production process and burning of discarded products were 1–6% of the total flow, and emissions from landfills less than 1%.     

Simulating responses of Northeastern China forests to potential climate change

IntroductionItissurethatpresentelevatiollsofCO2a11dotllergrcc11-housegasesinducedbyhumanactivitiesaren1akli1gglobalclimategothroughinexperielICedcl1anges(Scl1le-subgerl987).Thecurrentquasi-equilibriulllstatesofbio-sphereecosystCm,esPeciallyterrestrialecosystems,wouldbebrokenbecausetl1estructure,fu11ction,distributio11andtlledynamicsofanyexistedecosystemsareIberesultsoflongtermadaptationofbio-systemtocurrentclin1ate.Theec()systemsdistributedinhighlatitlldeareawouldhavemuchbiggerchai1ge(Bona…     

Carbon and nitrogen dynamics in topsoils along forest conversion sequences in the Ore Mountains and the Saxonian lowland, Germany

Carbon and nitrogen stocks and their medium-term and readily decomposable fractions in topsoils were compared in relation to soil microbial biomass and activity along sequences from coniferous to deciduous stands. The study was carried out in the Ore Mountains and the Saxonian lowland, representing two typical natural regions in Saxony, Germany. In accordance with current forest conversion practices, the investigation sites represent different stands: mature conifer stands of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) (type A); Norway Scots spruce and pine with advanced plantings of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) or European beech/Common oak (Quercus petreae Liebl.) (type B); and mature deciduous stands of European beech and European beech/Common oak (type C). The investigated forest sites can be grouped into three silvicultural situations according to the development from coniferous stands to advanced plantings and finally mature deciduous forests (chronosequence A–B–C). The organic layer (L, F and H horizons) and uppermost mineral soil (0–10 cm) were analysed for potential C mineralisation, microbial biomass, concentrations of total C and N (TOC and TN) and for medium-term and readily decomposable C and N fractions, obtained by hot- and cold-water extraction respectively. The results showed an increase in organic layer thickness and mass as well as TOC and TN stocks along the forest sequences in the lowland. Yet, underplanted sites with two storeys revealed higher organic layer mass as well as TOC and TN stocks as compared to coniferous and deciduous stands. Stocks of hot- and cold-water-extractable C and N in relation to microbial biomass and its activity revealed a high turnover activity in deeper organic horizons of deciduous forests compared to coniferous stands. The stand-specific differentiation is discussed in relation to microbial biomass, litter quantity and quality and forest structure, but also with respect to the site-specific climatic factors and water budget as well as liming and fly-ash impacts. Results indicate higher dynamics in deciduous stands in the lowland especially during the initial turnover phase. The elevated microbial activity in deeper organic horizons of deciduous litter-influenced sites in spring is discussed as a specific indicator for long-term C sequestration potential as besides C mineralisation organic compounds are humified and thus, can be stored in the organic layer or in deeper soil horizons. Due to liming activities, stand-specific effects on organic matter turnover dynamics have evened out today in the Ore mountain region, but will presumably occur again once base saturation decreases. Here, the stand-specific effect on microbial biomass can currently be seen again as C_mic in the L horizon increased from spruce to beech. Our study sites in the lowland revealed no significant fly-ash impact. Differences between sites were evaluated by calculating the discriminance function. TOC and TN as well as medium-term degradable C and N were defined in this study as indicators for turnover dynamics along forest conversion sites.     

Diversity of polyporous fungi (Polyporaceae) in northern boreal forests: effects of forest site type and logging intensity

The effects of forest site type and logging intensity on polyporous fungi were studied in subxeric, mesic and herb-rich forests and spruce mires in northern Finland. The species richness of polypores did not follow the fertility gradient of the site types, but was connected with the amount and diversity of coarse woody debris (CWD). The total number of species, and the numbers of indicator and threatened species were equal in subxeric pine forests and in more fertile spruce-dominated stands. The species composition of pine-dominated forests differed conspicuously from that of spruce-dominated site types. The total number of species was not affected by logging intensity, but no virgin forest species or threatened species were found on the sites where the number of cut stumps exceeded 150 stumps ha^?1. Increasing logging intensity decreased the number of polypore observations, indicating reduced substrate availability. The results stress the importance of protecting not only fertile spruce-dominated stands, but also poorer, pine-dominated forests, and sites with high and diverse CWD content.     

Fine root morphological adaptations in Scots pine, Norway spruce and silver birch along a latitudinal gradient in boreal forests

Variability in short root morphology of the three main tree species of Europe's boreal forest (Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and silver birch (Betula pendula Roth)) was investigated in four stands along a latitudinal gradient from northern Finland to southern Estonia. Silver birch and Scots pine were present in three stands and Norway spruce was present in all stands. For three fertile Norway spruce stands, fine root biomass and number of root tips per stand area or unit basal area were assessed from north to south. Principal component analysis indicated that short root morphology was significantly affected by tree species and site, which together explained 34.7% of the total variability. The range of variation in mean specific root area (SRA) was 51-74, 60-70 and 84-124 m(2) kg(-1) for Norway spruce, Scots pine and silver birch, respectively, and the corresponding ranges for specific root length were 37-47, 40-48 and 87-97 m g(-1). The range of variation in root tissue density of Norway spruce, Scots pine and silver birch was 113-182, 127-158 and 81-156 kg m(-3), respectively. Sensitivity of short root morphology to site conditions decreased in the order: Norway spruce > silver birch > Scots pine. Short root SRA increased with site fertility in all species. In Norway spruce, fine root biomass and number of root tips per m(2) decreased from north to south. The differences in morphological parameters among sites were significant but smaller than the site differences in fine root biomass and number of root tips.     

Relationships between long-term trends of air temperature,precipitation, nitrogen nutrition and growth of coniferous stands in Central Europe and Finland

Height growth of 19 Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Norway spruce (Picea abies) stands in Germany, Austria and Finland, for which long-term records of foliar nutrient levels were available, was assessed retrospectively by stem analyses and compared with data from regionally applied yield tables as references. Gridded historical time series of monthly temperature and precipitation were used to characterise the meteorologic conditions at the sampling sites. Climate parameters were tested against height growth in period 1950–2000, and needle N content was tested against height growth for the periods where N measurements were available by means of graphical comparison, as well as simple and multiple regression analyses with the aim to get evidence for causes of possible growth acceleration. Trends of referenced height increment of six out of nine Scots pine stands in Germany were positive during the observation period, and improved N nutrition appeared to be the most important driving factor for this growth acceleration. The variation of precipitation—exhibiting no consistent and uniform long-term temporal trend during the observation period—in contrast seems to be mainly responsible for the interannual fluctuation of height growth. We were not able to detect any general statistical influence of temperature parameters on height growth, although they generally increased. The referenced height growth of three Finnish pine stands slightly decreased during the observation period and there was no indication of a significant improvement of their N supply. Among four Norway spruce stands investigated in Germany and Austria, referenced height increment also increased in three cases; there was again some evidence that improved N nutrition was the stimulating factor. At three study sites in Finland, however, referenced height growth of this species decreased at least from 1985 onwards, whereas mostly no significant trends in N nutrition or precipitation were identified. These differences observed between species and regions are discussed in detail.     

Loss in macronutrient pools in bilberry and lingonberry in mesic Scots pine forests after Northern red oak introduction

Forest transformation from coniferous monocultures to mixed stands is being promoted worldwide, including the introduction of fast-growing broadleaved tree species within native stands. Here, we studied how enrichment of temperate European Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) forest by North-American northern red oak Quercus rubra impacted macronutrient concentrations in two long-lived and dominant components of the forest understory: bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus and lingonberry V. vitis-idaea. Study sites were located in forest complexes (central Poland) which occupy continuously reforested lands (hereafter ancient forests) as well as post-agricultural lands (recent forests), all suitable for mesic pine forests. Samples of bilberry and lingonberry leaves, stems, and fruits were collected in pine stands and in adjacent Scots pine-red oak stands, in both ancient and recent forests. Concentrations of macronutrients (C, N, P, K, Ca, S, and Mg) in aboveground biomass components were analysed using standardized chemical procedures. The study revealed intra- and interspecific (bilberry vs. lingonberry) differences in concentrations of all nutrients in leaves, stems, and fruits, except for invariable C concentrations. Macronutrient accumulations in plants were decreased by land-use discontinuity and favoured by enrichment of tree stands by Q. rubra. The estimated macronutrient pools were much higher for V. myrtillus than V. vitis-idaea in all forest types studied. They were lower in forests enriched with Q. rubra, both ancient (up to 25.5% for bilberry and 99.9% for lingonberry) and recent (46.9% and 99.9%, respectively), as well as in recent pine forest (46.6% and 81.1%, respectively) than in ancient pine forest. Higher K and S pools (39.3% and 6.5%, respectively) noted for bilberry in an ancient forest with Q. rubra were exceptions. Despite more effective accumulations of elements at the species level, macronutrient pools of Vaccinium myrtillus and V. vitis-idaea decreased significantly in the presence of introduced Q. rubra due to negative impacts of this broadleaved tree on bilberry and lingonberry cover and biomass. Therefore, the limitation of alien Q. rubra planting in sites of mesic pine forest with the abundant occurrence of V. myrtillus and/or V. vitis-idaea is recommended.

Graphic abstract

     

Tree regeneration and future stand development after bark beetle infestation and harvesting in Colorado lodgepole pine stands

In the southern Rocky Mountains, current mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) outbreaks and associated harvesting have set millions of hectares of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm. ex Wats.) forest onto new stand development trajectories. Information about immediate, post-disturbance tree regeneration will provide insight on dynamics of future stand composition and structure. We compared tree regeneration in eight paired harvested and untreated lodgepole pine stands in the Fraser Experimental Forest that experienced more than 70% overstory mortality due to beetles. New seedlings colonized both harvested and untreated stands in the first years after the beetle outbreak. In harvested areas the density of new seedlings, predominantly lodgepole pine and aspen, was four times higher than in untreated stands. Annual height growth of pine and fir advance regeneration (e.g., trees established prior to the onset of the outbreak) has doubled following overstory mortality in untreated stands. Growth simulations based on our regeneration data suggest that stand basal area and stem density will return to pre-beetle levels in untreated and harvested stands within 80-105 years. Furthermore, lodgepole pine will remain the dominant species in harvested stands over the next century, but subalpine fir will become the most abundant species in untreated areas. Owing to terrain, economic and administrative limitations, active management will treat a small fraction (<15%) of the forests killed by pine beetle. Our findings suggest that the long-term consequences of the outbreak will be most dramatic in untreated forests where the shift in tree species composition will influence timber and water production, wildfire behavior, wildlife habitat and other forest attributes.