Short-Term Ground Vegetation Responses to Fertilization in Latvian Forests: Effects on Species Richness and Diversity

Environments, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 12(2), P. 47 - 47

Published: Feb. 4, 2025

This study investigated the impact of forest fertilization on ground vegetation in deciduous and conifer stands across different site types (forests with drained mineral soils, forests organic dry upland forests), stand age groups (young, middle-aged, pre-mature), fertilizer (ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) wood ash alone, both together). Ground was surveyed one to three years after application, projected cover individual species moss herb layers determined. Thus, results reflect short-term fertilization. Species richness diversity (Shannon index, H′) were compared between fertilized control (unfertilized) plots. The show that layer silver birch significantly affected by fertilization, while influenced interaction type. Differences plots suggest a potentially negative response In contrast, no significant effect observed Norway spruce stands, where type emerged as factors. Scots pine NH4NO3 applied had layer. layer, marginally found for age. alone appeared enhance richness, although its more variable. Our highlights context-dependent nature effects Latvian hemiboreal ecosystems.

Language: Английский

Ground Cover Vegetation in Differently Managed Hemiboreal Norway Spruce Stands: Plantation vs. Natural Regeneration

Diversity, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 16(4), P. 203 - 203

Published: March 28, 2024

Forest plantations, which have a simplified structure and composition, are becoming more frequent, raising concerns regarding their contribution to biological diversity in highly managed landscapes. The value of stand has been related age, although properties, often intercorrelated with it, yet manageable, might be primary importance. relationships between properties (age, composition) ground cover vegetation, as proxy for value, were assessed Norway spruce stands contrasting land use history (low-density plantations on former agricultural land, unmanaged old-growth stands) Latvia. flora differed according the stands. principal gradients vegetation degree deciduous admixture tree stand, vertical heterogeneity (multi-layer; density height understorey), light, age site fertility. However, species-rich diverse, appearing promising terms intensively sites (especially periurban forests). observed characteristics suggest that diversification structures reduce recovery time contributing ecosystem services provided under intensifying management disturbances.

Language: Английский