Unimodal Relationships of Understory Alpha and Beta Diversity along Chronosequence in Coppiced and Unmanaged Beech Forests

摘要: Patterns of diversity across spatial scales in forest successions are being overlooked, despite their importance for developing sustainable management practices. Here, we tested the recently proposed U-shaped biodiversity model succession. A chronosequence 11 stands spanning from 5 to 400 years since last disturbance was used. Understory species presence recorded along 200 m long transects 20 × cm quadrates. Alpha (species richness, Shannon and Simpson indices) three types beta indices were assessed at multiple scales. Beta expressed by a) compositional variability (number combinations), b) pairwise turnover (between plots Sorensen, Jaccard, Bray–Curtis dissimilarity), c) coefficients (CV% alpha measures). Our results supported both diversity. The strongest differences appeared between active abandoned coppices. maximum emerged characteristic 2 young coppices 10 later successional stages. We conclude that traditional coppice maintains high structural heterogeneity understory. similarly diversities old-growth forests suggest microhabitats specialist conservation value.