Restoration of semi-natural forest after clearcutting of conifer plantations in Japan

Abstract

We reviewed recent studies on the restoration of semi-natural forests after clearcutting of conifer plantations with specific reference to the importance of setting restoration goals, general and specific factors influencing restoration, and the prediction and judgment of successful restoration. For the restoration of semi-natural forests following the clearcutting of conifer plantations, recovery levels and appropriate restoration methods cannot be considered separately from the aims of restoration to provide ecosystem services. Restoration needs to be based on the setting of goals that correspond to the type and degree of ecosystem services targeted. When we aim to restore vegetation dominated by late-seral canopy trees within as short a period after the clearcutting of conifer plantations as possible, advanced regeneration in the pre-logged plantation is the most important and reliable source of post-logging regeneration, just as it is in the recovery of disturbed non-plantation forests. Advanced regeneration is not always present in plantations. Seedling establishment by seed rain from adjacent natural forest patches after a disturbance can contribute to late-seral or canopy species; however, the range of the edge effect is generally short, and the degree of the edge effect depends on the natural forest type and is more pronounced in deciduous forests, such as those in cool-temperate climates, or in forests with a complex forest structure. Thus, advanced regeneration is a better predictor of short-term forest recovery than measures based on seed rain from adjacent seed sources. However, restoration achieved only through advanced regeneration can simplify the species composition, and the recolonization processes of gradual species accession from seeds should be considered in the long-term context of restoration.

Effects of clear-felling versus gradual removal of conifer trees on the survival of understorey plants during the restoration of ancient woodlands

“…recreation demands, changes in timber markets) and ecological (e.g. focus on ecosystem functioning) reasons, many countries now have policies aimed at restoring native, semi-natural, broadleaved woodland to conifer plantation sites (Kenk and Guehne, 2001;Zerbe, 2002;Spiecker et al, 2004;Degrave et al, 2006;Yamagawa et al, 2010). Restoration has been shown to have potential benefits for biodiversity (Lust et al, 1998) and carbon storage (Seidl et al, 2008).…”

Impact assessment of dam construction and forest management for Japanese macaque habitats in snowy areas

“…This paradigm holds true for our present findings. The restoration of conifer plantations to semi‐natural forests has attracted considerable public attention in terms of recovery of the original ecosystem function [Masaki et al, ; Yamagawa et al, ]. Nevertheless, our present results indicate that such restoration practices will hardly contribute to the improvement of the THU; by contrast, the implementation of long‐rotation plantation will provide more suitable alternative habitats for macaques in every season, except winter (Table ).…”

Spatial Patterns in Different Stages of Regeneration after Clear-Cutting of a Black Locust Forest in Central China

“…Shelterwood and seed-tree systems were used to maintain regeneration and promote plant diversity in these conifer forests. Goals of black locust stands of the study area are to provide timber and conserve water and soil; as multi generation black locust stands cannot meet these demands well, shelterwood and seed-tree systems are used to convert pure black locust forest to uneven-aged mingled forest, as has been done with converting larch plantations to larch-walnut mixed stands [1,62]. Tending-felling is also carried out in overstocked stands to reduce competition among crop trees, increase growth rates and shorten rotation length [90,91], which could influence the spatial patterns and growth of regeneration after clear-cutting.…”

“…Regeneration plays a vital role during forest ecosystem restoration and sustainable management. It is essential to understand natural regeneration processes for economic and ecological reasons [1]. Logging of natural forests over the last century has led to large areas of artificial forests and semi-natural forests.…”