Stand structural drivers of microclimate in mature temperate mixed forests

摘要: Abstract The complex interactions between stand characteristics and forest site variables result in specific understory microclimate conditions, which are essential for many forest-dwelling organism groups. main aim of our study was to evaluate the relative importance structure landscape elements that account closed, managed, mature stands. relationships different microclimatic were also analyzed. 35, 70–100 year-old deciduous-coniferous mixed stands selected Western Hungary. Air temperature, humidity, diffuse light measured at eight sampling periods 2009 2011. Below-canopy air temperature humidity showed a strong negative correlation, but independent. mean values depended on elements, chiefly subcanopy shrub layer, while their variance lowered by litter cover. amount negatively affected tree diameter, basal area size diversity. Our results suggest structural have stronger influence conditions than species composition overstory. midstory layer play key roles maintaining special forests with continuous canopy-cover. can provide adoptable aspects management nature conservation maintenance favorable sensitive specialist taxa (e.g. herbs, ground beetles, epiphytic bryophytes, lichens).