Short-term effects of continuous cover forestry on forest biomass production and biodiversity: Applying single-tree selection in forests dominated by Picea abies
Axelsson, Petter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Hjältén, Joakim, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Lundmark, Tomas, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Sjögren, Jörgen, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
adam.ekholm@slu.se
Published Nov 09, 2022 on Dryad.
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.9cnp5hqmp
Cite this dataset
Ekholm, Adam et al. (2022). Short-term effects of continuous cover forestry on forest biomass production and biodiversity: Applying single-tree selection in forests dominated by Picea abies [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.9cnp5hqmp
Abstract
AbstractThe rotation forestry system provides high biomass production, but could also have a negative impact on species sensitive to disturbance. Continuous cover forestry (CCF) could contribute to solving these conflicting goals, but its feasibility in nutrient limited boreal forests is yet unresolved. In a unique experiment, we simultaneously assessed the short-term effect of single-tree selection on both biomass production and biodiversity (vascular plants, bryophytes, wood-inhabiting fungi), and tested fertilization as a way to mediate growth-biodiversity trade-offs. We found that unharvested stands and stands subjected to single-tree selection had a similar species assemblage of vascular plants, bryophytes, and wood-inhabiting fungi. Fertilization increased growth by 37% and induced shifts in two understory species (favoring the grass Avenella flexuosa and disfavoring the bryophyte Hylocomium splendens). We conclude that single-tree selection may become a useful tool to enhance biodiversity in managed forests.
