Stand dieback and collapse in a temperate forest and its impact on forest structure and biodiversity

摘要: Abstract Concern is increasing about large-scale dieback that occurring in many forest ecosystems. However, understanding of the processes and its potential impacts limited, partly owing to lack long-term monitoring data for stands which has occurred. Here we present collected over 50 years along two transects a temperate ecosystem, canopy dominant beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) demonstrated significant dieback. Our results show basal area declined by 33%, juvenile tree densities have also been reduced approximately 70%. Growing season temperatures steadily increased there number droughts causing climatic water deficits recent decades, particularly 1995. We hypothesise these may interacted with novel pathogenic fungi cause mortality large trees. Curvilinear responses BA loss were observed community change, ground flora species richness, percentage cover grass, providing evidence thresholds associated stand Evidence suggested failed recover once it declined. Critical values change richness grass around 40% decline from initial values. While changes are dramatic, they cannot be considered regime shift as pressures contributed ecosystem transition, drought, overgrazing, on-going. managers might consider accepting part an adaptive response system environmental conditions, this would likely biodiversity service provision.