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Short-term effects of single-tree selection cutting on stand structure and tree species composition in Valdivian rainforests of Chile

Short-term effects of single-tree selection cutting on stand structure and tree species... Background: The Valdivian temperate rainforest, one of the world’s 25 biodiversity hotspots, is under a continued process of degradation through mismanagement. An approach to reverse this situation might be the development of uneven-aged silviculture, combining biodiversity conservation and timber production. Methods: We examined the short-term effects of single-tree selection cutting on stand structure and tree species (richness, diversity and composition) in the Llancahue Experimental Forest in south-central Chile to quantify changes in comparison with old-growth rainforests of the evergreen forest type. We compared plots with high and 2 −1 low residual basal areas (60 and 40 m ha ) and a control old-growth forest. Results: Both cutting regimes achieved a balanced structure with reverse-J diameter distribution, continuous forest cover and sufficient small-sized trees. Compared to the old-growth forest, there were no significant changes in tree species richness and diversity. The only shortcomings detected were significant reductions in diameter and height complexity as assessed by the Gini coefficient, Shannon H′ and standard deviation, with a significantly lower number of large-sized trees (dbh 50 cm+, height 23 m+), especially in the low residual basal area regime. Conclusions: We suggest the intentional retention of a certain number of large-sized and emergent trees http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science Springer Journals

Short-term effects of single-tree selection cutting on stand structure and tree species composition in Valdivian rainforests of Chile

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References (73)

Publisher
Springer Journals
Copyright
Copyright © 2017 by The Author(s).
Subject
Life Sciences; Forestry
eISSN
1179-5395
DOI
10.1186/s40490-017-0103-5
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Background: The Valdivian temperate rainforest, one of the world’s 25 biodiversity hotspots, is under a continued process of degradation through mismanagement. An approach to reverse this situation might be the development of uneven-aged silviculture, combining biodiversity conservation and timber production. Methods: We examined the short-term effects of single-tree selection cutting on stand structure and tree species (richness, diversity and composition) in the Llancahue Experimental Forest in south-central Chile to quantify changes in comparison with old-growth rainforests of the evergreen forest type. We compared plots with high and 2 −1 low residual basal areas (60 and 40 m ha ) and a control old-growth forest. Results: Both cutting regimes achieved a balanced structure with reverse-J diameter distribution, continuous forest cover and sufficient small-sized trees. Compared to the old-growth forest, there were no significant changes in tree species richness and diversity. The only shortcomings detected were significant reductions in diameter and height complexity as assessed by the Gini coefficient, Shannon H′ and standard deviation, with a significantly lower number of large-sized trees (dbh 50 cm+, height 23 m+), especially in the low residual basal area regime. Conclusions: We suggest the intentional retention of a certain number of large-sized and emergent trees

Journal

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science – Springer Journals

Published: Oct 12, 2017

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