A meta-analysis of the effect of forest management for timber on understory plant species diversity in temperate forests

摘要: Many studies have examined affects of forest management—particularly regeneration treatments—for timber on understory plant diversity. These taken independently show no clear trends in diversity with degree and/or periodicity disturbance from harvests. Here we present a meta-analysis synthesizing primary field research response to harvesting temperate forests, particularly North America. Across pool 96 studies, find effect species richness managing forests for timber. When intensive harvests (e.g. clearcut, shelterwood) are separated less single tree and group selection systems) thinnings, positive richness. Intensive thinning treatments had We the role stand development following treatments, found detectable effects even-aged stands within first 50 years after clearcut shelterwood Stands later successional stages, however, lower than un-logged stands. All these findings together suggest that silvicultural activities focused toward management not inconsistent conservation site-specific characteristics resource availability, heterogeneity) at various temporal spatial scales, larger play defining itself. Managers therefore should consider underlying factors site composition, examine regionally specific when planning treatments. In addition, it be noted our analysis makes distinction classifying nature diversity, especially between colonizing early-successional peak 1–10 then disappear, late successional, often more shade tolerant species, may persist post harvest but disappear or retract their range abundance. Further needed tease out differences relation stage management.