Effects of Thinning and Water Supply Manipulation on the Productivity of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica in Northeastern China

Management is an effective tool for increasing the productivity of Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica). This species has been widely planted in China, especially in sandy lands. However, optimization of management practices had not been fully explored. We established a system dynamic model to evaluate the effects of thinning and of manipulation of water supply on the productivity and population density of a Mongolian pine forest (17 scenarios in total). Different levels of thinning increased the mean biomass of Mongolian pine over no-management to a range from 202 to 256 t·ha^-1. Increasing water supply decreased the mean biomass of Mongolian pine to a range from 176 to 199 t·ha^-1. These results indicated that thinning at different levels may lead to an increase in biomass accumulation, while manipulating water supply may decrease biomass. Further, thinning appeared more effective than increasing water supply in efforts at maintaining high productivity of Mongolian pine forests. Moreover, the highest biomass occurred in a scenario with a thinning intensity of 30% in over-mature trees, indicating that this thinning intensity was the most effective choice for to the maintenance of the highest biomass in Mongolian pine forests. This study informs about the interactions between Mongolian pine and forest management, and provides guidelines for the practice of management of this forest type.     

Insights into the pathways of spread and potential origins of Dothistroma septosporum in Britain

Dothistroma needle blight (DNB) is a disease caused by two fungi, Dothistroma septosporum and Dothistroma pini, that has resulted in significant damage to pine forests worldwide. Analysis of 1194 British Dothistroma isolates revealed that only D. septosporum occurred in Britain; D. pini was not detected. The genetic diversity, population structure, and reproductive mode of D. septosporum in Britain were investigated using species-specific mating type markers and eleven microsatellite markers, revealing 382 multilocus haplotypes. Comparison of clustering methods (STRUCTURE, BAPS, DAPC) as well as spatial principal component analysis (sPCA) showed some differences between the methods but similar groupings. A clear north-south cline was found with attributes consistent with a native fungus. Other groups were most probably introduced, with one nearly exclusive lodgepole pine group exhibiting links with Canada. Evidence for the movement of specific multilocus haplotypes via nursery stock as well as across borders is provided and the implications discussed.     

Effects of forest continuity and tree age on epiphytic lichen biota in coniferous forests in Estonia

Epiphytic lichen biota on Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris in Estonia was studied. Twenty-one spruce and 21 pine sample plots were located in old forests with long forest continuity, and 12 spruce and 12 pine sample plots in young first-generation forests (<100 years). Altogether 103 lichen species were recorded on the 330 sampled trees. Lichen species richness per plot was significantly higher in old forests in case of both tree species; 31 lichen species, including red-listed and protected species, were found only in old forests. Tree age had a positive effect on lichen species richness on tree stem in old and young spruce forests and in young pine forests. Tree age also had an effect on the presence of several species. Both tree age and forest continuity affected lichen species composition. Arthonia leucopellaea, Chrysothrix spp. and Lecanactis abietina were found in at least every third old spruce or pine forest and in no young forests, and can be regarded as good indicators of old coniferous forests with long continuity in Estonia.     

多样化松林中昆虫群落多样性特征

马尾松和湿地松是我国南方的2种主要松树。通过对6种不同林分结构下的马尾松林和湿地松林内昆虫群落调查与多样性指数分析,表明2种松树内的昆虫种类和数量无显著差异,混交林中的昆虫群落的种类和数量比纯林多,尤其以捕食天敌类群的种类和数量更为明显。整个昆虫群落和植食类群多样性指数以湿地松林内较大,而天敌(捕食类群和寄生类群)多样性指数则以马尾松林较高。从不同林分结构下昆虫多样性的比较来看,混交林内昆虫群落多样性指数波动较小,明显地高于纯林。但不同林分结构下昆虫多样性随水平分布和垂直分层格局而变化,松树北面和东面各样地之间的昆虫群落多样性指数差异显著,而南、西面之间差异较小;树冠层各样地之间的差异达极显著水平,而枯枝落叶层和树干层之间差异不显著。由此,还进一步讨论了混交林中昆虫群落稳定性问题。     

Linking vegetation structure and bird organization: response of mixed-species bird flocks to forest succession in subtropical China

As forests undergo natural succession following artificial afforestation, their bird assemblages also change. However, interspecific avian social organization associated with forest succession has not been fully understood, particularly for mixed-species bird flocks. To disentangle how mixed-species flocks change as a function of local forest structure, we analyzed flock characteristics (particularly species richness, flocking frequency and propensity) and vegetation physiognomies along a presumed successional series (early, middle, and advanced) simultaneously in subtropical forests in southern China. As hypothesized, monthly point counts demonstrated that complexity of flocks increases with the progression of natural forest succession at a local scale. Advanced forests differed significantly from pioneering plantations with respect to vegetation structure, flock characteristics and constituents (especially for understory specialists). Importantly, forest succession affected flock patterns particularly in relation to the flocking propensity of regular species, and the frequency of nuclear species (Huet’s fulvetta Alcippe hueti), which in turn determined flocking occurrence at different successional stands. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that understory flocking species (mainly Timaliidae babblers) were significantly associated with intact native canopy cover, complex DBH diversity, as well as high densities of dead trees and large trees, representing a maturity level of successional stands. Our study reveals that the effect of natural forest succession on mixed-species bird flocks is species-specific and guild-dependent. From a conservation perspective, despite a high proliferation of pine plantation in southern China, priority should be placed on protecting the advanced forest with a rich collection of understory flocking specialists.     

Effect of increased food abundance near forest edges on flocking patterns of Coal Tit Parus ater winter groups in mountain coniferous forests

CapsuleIndividuals concentrated near forest edges in bigger social groups than in forest interiors and foraged more on pine cones which were more abundant there.

Aims To evaluate differences in food distribution between forest edges and forest interiors and their effects on the non-breeding flocking patterns of Coal Tit populations inhabiting mountain coniferous forests.

Methods We collected cone production data at forests edges and interiors in mountain pine forests located in the Pyrenees (northeast Iberian peninsula). At the same sites, we also quantified Coal Tit abundance, flocking patterns and foraging behaviour by means of paired bird surveys during autumn and early winter.

Results We recorded a larger abundance of pine cones available on trees along forest edges compared with forest interiors. Coal Tit groups were of bigger size along forest edges, although the number of social groups detected did not differ from forest interiors. Our observations on foraging behaviour supported the hypothesis that differences in flock sizes and overall abundances associated with distance to the edge are due to differences in the availability of pine cones and to the heavier use of these foraging substrates by birds along forest edges.

Conclusions Our results suggest that by changing food distribution, edge effects on pine cone production may be significantly involved in local changes in the social structure of the Coal Tit. An increase in resource heterogeneity and local population density may have important implications at a population level, such as favouring mobility of individuals searching for food resources and thus a transient life, and increasing the costs of territory defence to resident individuals.     

南方红壤区3种典型森林恢复方式对植物群落多样性的影响

合理的森林恢复方式能提高植物多样性,进而提高生态系统服务功能.在我国南方红壤区研究了3种典型森林恢复方式(引进种恢复的湿地松(Pinus elliottii)人工林本地种恢复的马尾松(Pinus massoniana)人工林和自然恢复的天然次生林)的植物区系构成和植物群落多样性.结果表明:(1)湿地松人工林有155种植物,隶属66科118属,马尾松人工林有137种植物,隶属59科97属;天然次生林有226种植物,隶属86科160属,3种森林恢复方式的乔木层、灌木层和草本层的优势科属明显不同,马尾松人工林的优势物种和天然次生林更相似;(2)天然次生林的植物区系基本构成、植物区系类型种类高于马尾松人工林和湿地松人工林,并且天然次生林的温带成分比例高于湿地松人工林;(3)恢复方式对植物群落的多样性指数有显著影响,天然次生林的物种丰富度、辛普森指数明显高于马尾松人工林和湿地松人工林,两种人工林之间差异不显著;(4)3种森林恢复方式的植物群落结构存在显著差异,相比湿地松人工林,马尾松人工林的植物群落组成与天然次生林更相似.总之,自然恢复的天然次生林植物群落多样性高于人工恢复的马尾松人工林和湿地松人工林,本地种马尾松人工林在维持区域植物群落结构功能上优于引进种湿地松人工林.     

Avian richness and abundance in temperate Danish forests: tree variables important to birds and their conservation

Many studies on avian diversity and forest structure have focused onfiner scale forest variables such as foliage height diversity, foliagediversity, foliage density, vertical distribution of vegetation and horizontalvegetation density. From a conservation and forestry operational point of viewit would be of great interest if tree variables influenced directly by forestrymanagement decisions also had significant influence on avian richness andabundance. The species, age and size of a tree are examples of such treevariables. A great number of studies also have focused on avian diversityindices to reveal relationships with vegetation variables. However, it may bemore appropriate for foresters and conservation officers to operate withrichness and abundance measures directly, because indices complicateinterpretations on the relative importance of the two variables (richness andabundance) constituting the index. Fourteen managed temperate forests in Denmarkwere investigated for avian species richness and abundance and related tomeasures on different tree variables influenced directly by forestry managementdecisions. A rapid assessment method of avian richness and abundance wasemployed. It consisted of point-counts of bird richness and abundance within 1km² of forest. General linear models were tested byanalyses of variance statistics to reveal the tree variables most important toavian richness and abundance. It was found that more old trees, more treespecies and more tree size-classes correlated with more bird species andindividuals. However, some variation in bird richness and abundance was alsorelated to site quality and/or chance colonization. Moreover, it was shown thatthe guild of cavity-nesting birds correlated positively to age of tree stand.The potential number of bird species in Danish forest is similar to that innearly pristine forest in Poland, and much larger than that recorded in any ofthe forests investigated. Together with the results above, this indicates a highpotential for squeezing in more avian species in a higher quality forest from abiodiversity point of view. Modern Danish forestry affects tree variablesinfluenced directly by forestry management decisions. Such tree variables havegreat influence on avian richness and abundance, but simple measures in forestrypractices can be taken to enhance the conservation of bird richness andabundance.     

Circular distributions of fallen logs as an indicator of forest disturbance regimes

We present a retrospective method for studying forest disturbance regimes, and especially the role of windthrows, based on circular statistical models of directions of fallen logs. This approach was applied to fallen log data from three areas of pristine Picea abies-dominated boreal forests in northern Europe. The data consisted of 5 plots from each of the three areas, totaling 15 plots and covering an area of 24 ha. The disturbance history of the plots, which varied from area to area, was known from previous detailed studies. We selected and fitted the most suitable circular model for each plot, based on goodness-of-fit and the Akaike information criterion. For uneven-aged forests, the symmetric von Mises distribution, was best fitted, while for the even-aged forest the sine-skewed wrapped Cauchy distribution was selected. The degree of concentration around the mean direction of fallen trees was strongest for the late-successional even-aged forest most exposed to windthrow, while an uneven-aged forest with drought-driven mortality had the lowest concentration and the greatest variance over the mean directions. For the third area, characterized by an uneven age structure and tree mortality driven by heart-rot fungi in old trees in interaction with wind, an intermediate between these two were derived. Our results suggested the utility of circular distributions of fallen logs and their statistical models for retrospective assessments of forest disturbance regimes.     

Cocoon predation on diprionid sawflies: the effect of forest fertility

Predation by small mammals is thought to be one of the main regulators of outbreaking sawfly species. It has been suggested that predation may be lower in poor and dryish forests, and this is the reason why outbreaks often begin from this type of environment. We studied experimentally how fertility of the forest site affects cocoon predation experienced by two sawfly species, the common pine sawfly Diprion pini (Linnaeus) and the European pine sawfly Neodiprion sertifer (Geoffroy). We applied a fertilization treatment to selected pine-dominated barren forest sites in Finland, and 2–4 years later monitored predation on the sawfly cocoons in fertilized and control areas. The results did not support the idea that forest fertility was related to cocoon predation. We also could not verify that small mammal abundance was related to fertility of the forest. The most obvious pattern we observed was that the two sawfly species differed dramatically in predation experienced. N. sertifer has its cocoon phase in mid-summer and experienced only moderate predation (37%) whereas D. pini, with its cocoon phase in autumn, suffered from very heavy predation (96%). Our observations suggest that if predation is important in controlling the population dynamics of the species, its impact depends more on the sawfly species and season than on the fertility of the forest site. Received: 1 March 1998 / Accepted: 25 May 1998     

Development of secondary pine forests after pine wilt disease in western Japan

Abstract. The development of secondary Pinus densiflora (Japanese red pine) forests after pine wilt disease was studied through phytosociological analysis, estimation of forest structure before disease and size-structure, tree ring and stem analyses. Following the end of the disease, the growth of previously suppressed small oak trees was accelerated. This is quite different from the development of forests following fire, which starts with the establishment of pine seedlings. Pine wilt disease shifted the dominance of secondary forests from Pinus densiflora to Quercus serrata oak forest. In pine forests, disturbance by fire is important for forest maintenance. In contrast, disturbance by pine wilt disease leads to an acceleration of succession from pine forest to oak forest.     

Woody Species Diversity in Forest Plantations in a Mountainous Region of Beijing,China: Effects of Sampling Scale and Species Selection

The role of forest plantations in biodiversity conservation has gained more attention in recent years. However, most work on evaluating the diversity of forest plantations focuses only on one spatial scale; thus, we examined the effects of sampling scale on diversity in forest plantations. We designed a hierarchical sampling strategy to collect data on woody species diversity in planted pine (Pinus tabuliformis Carr.), planted larch (Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr.), and natural secondary deciduous broadleaf forests in a mountainous region of Beijing, China. Additive diversity partition analysis showed that, compared to natural forests, the planted pine forests had a different woody species diversity partitioning pattern at multi-scales (except the Simpson diversity in the regeneration layer), while the larch plantations did not show multi-scale diversity partitioning patterns that were obviously different from those in the natural secondary broadleaf forest. Compare to the natural secondary broadleaf forests, the effects of planted pine forests on woody species diversity are dependent on the sampling scale and layers selected for analysis. Diversity in the planted larch forest, however, was not significantly different from that in the natural forest for all diversity components at all sampling levels. Our work demonstrated that the species selected for afforestation and the sampling scales selected for data analysis alter the conclusions on the levels of diversity supported by plantations. We suggest that a wide range of scales should be considered in the evaluation of the role of forest plantations on biodiversity conservation.     

Pathogenicity of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus on Pines in Minnesota and Wisconsin

The pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, was inoculated into established native jack and red pines (Pinus banksiana and P. resinosa) and exotic Austrian pine (P. nigra) in Minnesota and Wisconsin forests during summer 1981. The nematode isolates did not kill established nonstressed pine trees growing in the forest. However, the same nematode isolates killed pine seedlings under greenhouse conditions. Girdling the main stem of some trees to induce stress resulted in the death of the majority of inoculated and noninoculated branches of Austrian and jack pines, but no branch death was observed on red pine. Greater numbers of nematodes were extracted from branches of inoculated, girdled trees than from nongirdled trees. The mean number of nematodes extracted from branches of inoculated, nongirdled trees was 0.3 - 14 nematodes per gram of wood.     

森林生态系统服务价值及其补偿校准——以马尾松林为例

森林补偿资金分配与生态系统服务脱钩,是长期以来制约森林生态保护制度发挥作用的关键因素。建立森林生态保护成效与资金分配挂钩的激励约束机制,对于完善生态补偿制度、保障国家生态安全具有重要意义。以马尾松林为例,运用野外调查、实验室实验等方法,精准计量评价马尾松林的固碳、水源涵养、固土保肥、生物多样性等4种主要生态系统服务;以皮尔(R.Pearl)生长曲线为基础构建生态补偿算法,测算基于生态系统服务价值的马尾松林补偿标准。第一,马尾松林生态系统服务价值为10335.86—16358.06元hm~(-2)a~(-1),固碳价值为165.93—521.03元hm~(-2)a~(-1),水源涵养价值为5024.47—11788.30元hm~(-2)a~(-1),固土保肥价值为3597.84—6405.04元hm~(-2)a~(-1),生物多样性价值为178.57—1346.15元hm~(-2)a~(-1)。第二,固碳价值、固土保肥价值在空间上呈现出随纬度增加而减小的格局,水源涵养价值、生物多样性价值与前两者分布格局相反。植被类型、经营方式影响马尾松林生态系统服务价值,混交林生态系统服务价值大于纯林,间伐补植的马尾松林生态系统服务价值高于皆伐后营造的林分。第三,马尾松林生态系统服务补偿标准为0.15×10~3—1.43×10~3元hm~(-2)a~(-1),大小主要受生态系统服务单价影响。本研究为森林生态系统服务精确计量评价、森林生态系统服务补偿标准的确定提供科学量化的依据。     

Relevance of exotic pine plantations as a surrogate habitat for ground beetles (Carabidae) where native forest is rare

Plantation forests are of increasing importance worldwide for wood and fibre production, and in some areas they are the only forest cover. Here we investigate the potential role of exotic plantations in supporting native forest-dwelling carabid beetles in regions that have experienced extensive deforestation. On the Canterbury Plains of New Zealand, more than 99% of the previous native forest cover has been lost, and today exotic pine (Pinus radiata) plantations are the only forest habitat of substantial area. Carabids were caught with pitfall traps in native kanuka (Kunzea ericoides) forest remnants and in a neighbouring pine plantation, grassland and gorse (Ulex europaeus) shrubland. A total of 2,700 individuals were caught, with significantly greater abundance in traps in young pine, grassland and gorse habitats than in kanuka and older pine. Rarefied species richness was greatest in kanuka, a habitat that supported two forest specialist species not present in other habitat types. A critically endangered species was found only in the exotic plantation forest, which also acts as a surrogate habitat for most carabids associated with kanuka forest. The few remaining native forest patches are of critical importance to conservation on the Canterbury Plains, but in the absence of larger native forest areas plantation forests are more valuable for carabid conservation than the exotic grassland that dominates the region.     

宁夏罗山自然保护区3种典型林分凋落物和土壤层水源涵养能力综合评估

森林凋落物层和土壤层是森林生态水文效应中的主要贡献层，对森林生态系统水土保持功能和水源涵养能力有重要影响。对比宁夏罗山自然保护区3种典型林分类型凋落物和土壤层水文效应的变化规律和水源涵养能力大小，为该地区的森林生态水文、水土保持和森林管理提供科学依据。以该自然保护区青海云杉纯林、油松纯林和青海云杉油松混交林为研究对象，运用称量、室内浸泡、环刀法和回归分析法对凋落物和土壤层的水文效应进行测定和拟合，并使用熵权法对二者的水源涵养能力进行评估。结果表明：（1）青海云杉油松混交林凋落物的总厚度和总储量显著高于青海云杉纯林和油松纯林（P<0.05），3种林分类型的半分解层的厚度和储量高于未分解层。（2）凋落物层最大持水量范围为63.29-95.08t/hm²，最大持水率范围为335.97%-353.85%，有效拦蓄量范围为34.09-63.92t/hm²，三者均为青海云杉油松混交林>云杉纯林>油松纯林。（3）3种林分类型的凋落物持水量（Q）与浸泡时间（t）呈对数函数关系，吸水速率（V）与浸泡时间（t）呈幂函数关系。（4）从3种林分类型的土壤物理性质和持水特性得出，3种林分类型的土壤层水文效应的等级排序为云杉油松混交林>油松纯林>青海云杉纯林。（5）凋落物层和土壤层的水源涵养能力大小为青海云杉油松混交林（0.43）>油松林（0.3）>青海云杉林（0.27）。综合来看，青海云杉油松混交林的凋落物层和土壤层的水源涵养能力最优，其次是纯林，说明混交林在水土保持和水源涵养方面比纯林更具优势。     

Strict substrate requirements alongside rapid substrate turnover may indicate an early colonization: A case study of Pleurotus calyptratus (Agaricales,Basidiomycota)

Pleurotus calyptratus is a wood-inhabiting oyster mushroom associated with Populus tremula and P. alba. This fungus is rather common in Ukraine, but considered rare in many other European countries. Aiming to find causes for variation in rarity, we conducted habitat mapping and repeated surveys to understand the substrate requirements and fruiting dynamics of P. calyptratus. We showed that fruiting is strictly associated with older trees and early decay stages, and not with physical properties of a tree trunk like volume or position. This timespan of substrate suitability lasts for 1–3 y, determining rapid substrate turnover. We also detected DNA of P. calyptratus in living tissues of visually healthy trees, meaning its latent presence in the hosts, which places the fungus in a position to be a pioneer in a fungal succession. Despite the high spatial and temporal variation in fruiting, five annual surveys demonstrated no significant trends in P. calyptratus population's dynamics, and supported the assumption of random variation in fruiting, driven mostly by dynamics of forest stands. Therefore, we hypothesize that P. calyptratus' relative abundance in Ukraine is explained by continuous substrate supply from large homogenous aspen stands that are rare in the rest of Europe due to intensive management.     

Current and projected abundance of potential nest sites for cavity-nesting ducks in hardwoods of the north central United States

Clearing of hardwood forests was widespread in the north central region of the United States at the turn of the 20th century, but largely subsided by the 1920s. Hardwood trees in the region have since regenerated and matured into sizes capable of producing nest cavities suitable for cavity-nesting ducks. We estimated regional nest-site abundance for cavity-nesting ducks during 2008, 2018, and 2028 from cavity density and tree-abundance estimates obtained at 4 hardwood forest sites in conjunction with Forest Inventory and Analysis data and tree-growth modeling software from the United States Forest Service (Forest Vegetation Simulator). Land cover data were used to determine area of hardwood forests ≤0.5 km, 0.5–1 km, 1–1.5 km, 1.5–2 km, and >2 km from wetlands and open water available to cavity-nesting ducks. We estimated 13.2 million, 17.0 million, 19.0 million, and 20.1 million potential duck nest cavities available ≤0.5 km, ≤1 km, ≤1.5 km, and ≤2 km of water, respectively, in the region and predicted nest cavity abundance will increase 41% from 2008 to 2028. Hardwood forests in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin currently have the highest abundances of potential nest sites, but cavity-bearing forests in Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin were more commonly proximate to wetlands and open water. Because current and future estimates indicate sufficient nest sites to support growing cavity-nesting duck populations in the north central United States, we recommend regional management efforts focus on protecting, restoring, and maintaining quality wetlands in proximity to hardwood forests. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.     

Persistence of tree cavities used by cavity-nesting vertebrates declines in harvested forests

An abundant supply of cavity-bearing trees is important for maintaining wildlife communities in harvested forests. During harvesting, suitable trees and cavities are directly removed, and the longevity of cavities in retained trees may be reduced by increased exposure to wind and other disturbance factors. We examined patterns of cavity survival in retained trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) trees in harvested stands compared with those in unharvested mature stands by monitoring the persistence of individual cavities. We followed 930 cavities in 3 harvest treatments for up to 17 years in pre-cut and uncut forest, and up to 13 years post-harvest (reserve patches and dispersed retention), in temperate-mixed forests of interior British Columbia, Canada. Average annual cavity loss rates were 5.6% in pre-cut and uncut forest, 7.2% for cavities in trees retained in reserves, and 8.1% for cavities in retained trees dispersed throughout cuts. Correspondingly, median cavity longevity was 15 years for cavities in pre-cut and uncut forest, 10 years for cavities retained in reserves, and 9 years for those in dispersed retention. Risk of loss increased most for cavities in living trees (factor of 2.17), but we found no detectable difference for cavities in recently dead trees and trees with advanced decay. We suggest retention of a range of aspen size and decay classes to allow for future cavity-tree recruitment in harvested stands. Inclusion of wildlife reserves as part of an overall forest management plan will also help to mitigate the effects of windthrow and maintain long-lived cavity resources required by a large portion of forest wildlife. © 2013 The Wildlife Society