作者: Dominik Thom , William S. Keeton
DOI: 10.1016/J.FORECO.2019.03.053
关键词:
摘要: Abstract Elements of forest structure are fundamentally associated with an array ecosystem services and habitat characteristics. However, varies, in particular, through interactions natural human disturbances. Both variation structural characteristics relationships service outcomes have been poorly explored mature, secondary forests redeveloped since 19th century agricultural abandonment the eastern United States. Our study addressed this uncertainty focusing on carbon storage as important climate regulation service. We conducted inventory 45 plots sharing similar land use history (i) to identify differences structure, (ii) investigate links between stand aboveground storage. derived 19 attributes used these Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC) categorize structurally different groups. Subsequently, we analyzed density each cluster employed a random algorithm derive partial effects found distinctive disparity inferred from two hardwood-dominated one softwood-dominated clusters. Nine variables (cavity tree density, conifer ratio, foliage height index, gap area, live basal species diversity, heights diameters, vertical shrub cover) explained significant Carbon varied markedly, was highest softwood cluster. Structural complexity overall positively storage, whereas effect more hardwood compared forests. In five exhibited positive (conifer diameter variation, dead large trees, area), negative (live density), (dead diversity) mixed relationship Despite only moderate climatic conditions across investigated plots, strong sensitivity mean annual temperature. contrast, precipitation topography had no The link suggests high potential actively increase density. Based our findings, variety options available enhance thus improve managed ecosystems. These include, for instance, increasing variability dimensions fostering trees which may niche complementarity. Increasing stands buffering potentially impacts change stocks.