Forest stand dynamics of a short‐stature tree species: Ecological knowledge for sustainable forest management

Abstract

Worldwide, the implementation of forest management guidelines has tried to mimic natural forest dynamics. The Oliver forest stand dynamics model has been successful in bridging natural forest dynamics associated with the disturbances of various spatial scales and silviculture also related to various spatial scales of management. However, the application of this model (and others) is restricted to tall forests. We claim here that the general research and commercial interest bias towards tall tree species has permeated silviculture and forest management, and that both the stand dynamics of short‐stature tree species and their treatment have remained largely unexplored and unknown. Using one short‐stature tree species, Nothofagus antarctica, as a model system, we show that this species indeed follows a stand dynamic different from other tall Nothofagus‐dominated forests in southern South America. This species forms short, mature, even‐aged stands without large canopy gaps that promote tree regeneration. With this in mind, we propose a conceptual ecology‐based silvicultural guideline focusing on the creation of strip cuts or gaps along with topsoil scarification to ensure regeneration and forest reorganization after disturbances. Policy implications. The acknowledgement that short‐stature tree species follow a stand dynamic different from tall tree species necessarily implies that they must be managed differently. This recognition, along with the implementation of ecology‐based silvicultural recommendations, represents strong arguments to make modifications to forest legislation that, together, must be aimed at conservation and sustainable forest management.

Short‐stature trees: Need for expanded knowledge on stand dynamics for their ecological and silvicultural management

“…Based on previous research, and stand age and structure sampling, Fajardo et al (2024) argue that, given their short stature, N. antarctica trees do not exhibit a gap-phase and that their regeneration (either by seed or resprouting) is largely dependent on broad-scale disturbances. When old N. antarctica senesce, they typically exhibit relatively slow deterioration involving at first partial crown dieback, extreme heart rot and decay of the principal trunk, and eventually complete collapse.…”

“…shorter than 8 m) may have different and inherently more diverse stand dynamics than tall trees, which makes Oliver's model inappropriate for understanding and managing these short forests. Fajardo et al (2024) hypothesise that due to their limited height, when short-stature senescent trees die and collapse, they may not create canopy gaps large enough to provide the essential…”

“…old growth stand height varies from 6 to 15 m), it is imperative to develop and test any silvicultural recommendation before applying it at a particular location. For instance, whereas the lack of the gap-phase reported in N. antarctica by Fajardo et al (2024) applies at certain locations, gap dynamics do occur in other (tall) stands (Martínez Pastur et al, 2021). Furthermore, N. antarctica can also grow in shrublands mixed with other species of short trees, shrubs and bamboo (Chusquea culeou) that can be replaced over time by tall tree forests of Chilean cypress (Austrocedrus chilensis) if no stand replacing disturbances take place (Landesmann et al, 2016).…”