Differences in the structure, species composition and diversity of primary and harvested forests on Changbai Mountain, Northeast China

Abstract

Broadleaved-Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) mixed forest is a typical vegetation type in the eastern Eurasian continent. We compared the structure, composition and diversity of a primary forest and a logged forest for effective management and regeneration of a mixed forest ecosystem on Changbai Mountain, Northeast China. The logged forest was subjected to selective harvesting twenty years ago. The mean diameter and basal area for overall trees (≥ 2 cm dbh) were higher in the primary forest than in the logged forest, whereas overall tree density was significantly lower in the former (994 ± 34 trees∙ha<sup>–1</sup>) than in the logged forest (1921 ± 79 trees∙ha<sup>–1</sup>). The values of species richness and both Simpson's and Shannon's diversity indices for seedlings (< 2 cm dbh, ≥ 50 cm tall), saplings (2−9.9 cm dbh) and overall trees were greater in the primary forest. These results indicate that the selective logging had a lasting impact on the structural characteristics of the forest. There were major differences in species composition between the two forest sites, with the logged forest having more pioneer and mid-tolerant species than the primary forest. Diversity was more extensive in the logged forest due to the invasion of pioneer species. Twenty years is clearly an insufficient time for the logged forest to regain "primary" forest composition and structure. These two characteristics of the primary forest may serve as a reference for developing management plans for forest regeneration.  

Developmental dynamics following selective logging of an evergreen oak forest in the Eastern Himalaya, Bhutan: Structure, composition, and spatial pattern

“…Our results suggest diversity, in general, is not much different between the logged and reserve stands; in fact, canopy tree richness may increase after timber harvesting. While a number of studies have shown positive effects on species richness following selective logging (Berry et al, 2008;Swaine and Agyeman, 2008;Su et al, 2010), others have shown decreases (Huang et al, 2003;Felton et al, 2006;Gradstein et al, 2007;Farwig et al, 2008), suggesting that factors other than harvesting may be influencing measures of diversity across these forest types (Clark and Covey, 2012). While it is difficult to be certain based on the available data, the increase in richness observed here is possibly the result of the release of shade-tolerant understory species (e.g.…”

Tree species richness and the logging of natural forests: A meta-analysis

“…The infrastructure developed to facilitate logging access often makes areas more accessible following logging, dramatically increasing the likelihood of chronic anthropogenic disturbance (Coffin, 2007;Laurance et al, 2009). Kumar and Ram (2005) surmised that the chronic nature of human disturbance did not allow degraded systems time to recover pre-logging levels of richness; a finding echoed by other authors (Klanderud et al, 2010;Su et al, 2010) and well supported in the forestry literature (Halpern, 1995;Cannon et al, 1998;Singh, 1998).…”

“…Indeed, even in a study that showed no impact on canopy tree richness, Farwig et al (2008) showed a significant reduction in the species richness of late successional seedlings; a finding that presents the potential for effects to be magnified in the future. While most authors did not specifically characterize seedling richness, many also found a shift in tree community composition towards early successional species (Kumar and Ram, 2005;Aubad et al, 2008;Swaine and Agyeman, 2008;Klanderud et al, 2010;Su et al, 2010). These findings suggest that shifts in resource availability generally favor early successional tree species following harvest, and can lead to the exclusion of some sensitive late successional species.…”

Species composition, stand structure, and regeneration status of tree species in dry Afromontane forests of Awi Zone, northwestern Ethiopia

“…Stand structure assists to understand forest ecosystems and biodiversity (Su et al 2010). Assessment of the composition, structure and regeneration status of species is required to ascertain the successful conservation and management of forest resources (Teketay 2005;Mishra et al 2013).…”