Interactions between canopy gaps created by single-tree selection method and humus layer thickness (Case study: Alandan forest, Sari, Mazandaran province)

Document Type : Research article

Author

Assistant Prof., Department of Forestry, Faculty of Agriculture, Lorestan University

Abstract

This research investigated the effect of canopy gaps created by single-tree selection method on humus layer depth within a managed oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) stand in Hyrcanian region. To accomplish this, 16 gaps were selected in 4 classes (small, medium, large and very large) with 4 replications for each sample in a beech stand in Alandan district, Sari (Mazandaran province). Humus layer depth was measured in center and cardinal points of the gaps. In addition, humus was sampled based on composite samples for chemical experiments. The results showed a significant difference of humus thickness among gaps. The correlation coefficients indicated that the total N, P, K, organic carbon and C/N ratio were decreased with increasing humus depth. Humus layer depth in gap center was lower than that in the edge of gap, and the highest humus thickness was observed in the northern geographical aspect. In general, the result of study revealed that canopy gaps created by single-tree selection method affect the humus layer depth after 8 years, which in turn indicates the important role of gaps within forest ecosystems.

Keywords


- Abrari Vajari, K., Jalilvand, H., Pourmajidian, M.R. and Espahbodi, K., 2012. Investigating the impact of gaps created by single-tree selection system on beech tree ring width (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) (Case study: Alandan forest-Sari). Iranian Journal of Forest, 4(4): 345-352.
- Anonymous, 2003. Forestry Plan of Tajan-Talar, District No. 6, Catchment No. 70. Published by Jahade-e Sazandegi, Sari Wood & Paper Industries, Forests, Range and Watershed Management Organization, 270p (In Persian).
- Arunachalam, A. and Arunachalam, K., 2000. Influence of gap size and soil properties on microbial biomass in a subtropical humid forest of north-east India. Plant and Soil, 223: 185-193.
- Barbier, S., Gosselin, F. and Balandier, Ph., 2008. Influence of tree species on understory vegetation diversity and mechanisms involved-A critical review for temperate and boreal forests. Forest Ecology and Management, 254: 1-15.
- Bauhus, J. and Bartsch, N., 1995. Mechanisms for carbon and nutrient release and retention in beech forest gaps. Plant Soil, 168: 579-84.
- Bauhus, J. and Bartsch, N., 1996. Fine-root growth in beech (Fagus sylvatica) forest gaps. Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 26: 2153-2159.
- Biao, Zh., Wenhua, L., Gaodi, X. and Yu, X., 2008. Water conservation of forest ecosystem in Beijing and its value. Ecological Economics, 69(7): 1416-1426.
- Christophel, D., Hollerl, S., Prietzel, J. and Steffens, M., 2015. Long-term development of soil organic carbon and nitrogen stocks after shelter-wood and clear-cutting in a mountain forest in the Bavarian Limestone Alps. European Journal of Forest Research, 134: 623-640.
- Felton, A., Felton, A.M., Wood, J. and Lindenmayer, D.B., 2006. Vegetation structure, phenology and regeneration in the natural and anthropogenic tree-fall gaps of a reduced-impact logged subtropical Bolivian forest. Forest Ecology and Management, 235: 186-193.
- Hu, L., Gong, Z., Li, J. and Zhu, J., 2009. Estimation of canopy gap size and gap shape using a hemispherical photograph. Trees, 23: 1101-1108.
- Jacob, M., Viedenz, K., Polle, A. and Thomas, F.M., 2010. Leaf litter decomposition in temperate deciduous forest stands with a decreasing fraction of beech (Fagus sylvatica). Oecologia, 164: 1083-1094.
- Kukkonen, M., Rita, H., Hohenwald, S. and Nygren, A., 2008. Treefall gaps of certified, conventionally managed and natural forest as regeneration sites for Neotropical timber forest in northern Honduras. Forest Ecology and Management, 255: 2163-2176.
- Langenbruch, C., Helfrich, M. and Flessa, H., 2012. Effects of beech (Fagus sylvatica), ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and lime (Tilia sp.) on soil chemical properties in a mixed deciduous forest. Plant and Soil, 352: 389-403.
- Merino, A., Real, C. and Rodriguez-Guitian, M.A., 2008. Nutrient status of managed and natural forest fragments of Fagus sylvatica in southern Europe. Forest Ecology and Management, 255: 3691-3699.
- Mölder, A., Bernhardt-Römermann, M. and Schmidt, W., 2008. Herb-layer diversity in deciduous forests: raised by tree richness or beech? Forest Ecology and Management, 256: 272-281.
- Muscolo, A., Sidari, M., Bagnato, S., Mallamaci, C. and Mercuri, R., 2010. Gap size effects on above- and below-ground processes in a silver fir stand. European Journal of Forest Research, 129: 355-365.
- Muscolo, A. Sidiri, M. and Mercurio, R., 2007. Influence of gap size on organic matter decomposition, microbial biomass and nutrient cycle in Calabrian pine (Pinus laricio, poivet) stands. Forest Ecology and Management, 242: 412-418.
- Paluch, J.G. and Gruba, P., 2012. Inter-crown versus under-crown area: contribution of local configuration of trees to variation in topsoil morphology, pH and moisture in Abies alba Mill. forests. European Journal of Forest Research, 131: 857-870.
- Podrázský, V.V. and Remeš, J., 2006. Changes in humus forms in gaps of the canopy of semi-natural beech stand. Journal of Forest Science, 52: 243-248.
- Prescott, C., 2000. The influence of the forest canopy on nutrient cycling. Tree Physiology, 22: 1193-1200.
- Promis, A., Schindler, D., Reif, A. and Cruz, G., 2009. Solar radiation transmission in and around canopy gaps in an uneven-aged Nothofagus betuloides forest. International Journal of Biometerology, 53: 355-367.
- Runkle, J.R., 1981. Gap regeneration in some old growth forests of the eastern United States. Ecology, 62: 1041-1051.
- Scharenbroch, B.C. and Bockheim, J.G., 2007. Impacts of forest gaps on soil properties and processes in old growth northern hardwood-hemlock forests. Plant and Soil, 294: 219-233.
- Shabani, S., Akbarinia, M., Jalali, Gh. and Aliarab, A., 2011. Impact of canopy gaps size on woody species biodiversity in mountainous forests of northern Iran (Case study: beech stands of Lalis, Chalous). Iranian Journal of Forest and Poplar Research, 19(1): 73-82 (In Persian).
- Taati, S., Rahmani, R., Sagheb-Talebi, Kh., Matinizadeh, M. and Habashi, H., 2015. Influence of gap creation on soil enzymes activity in an oriental beech stand (Case study: Langa control plot). Iranian Journal of Forest and Poplar Research, 23(2): 332-341 (In Persian).
- Winkelbauer, J., Volker, J., Leopold, M. and Bernt, N., 2011. Methods of surveying the thickness of humus horizons using ground penetrating radar (GPR): An example from Garmisch-Partenkirchen area of the northern Alps. European Journal of Forest Research, 130: 799-812.
- Zhang, C. and Zhao, X., 2007. Soil properties in forest gaps and under canopy in broad-leaved Pinus koreiensis forest in Changbai mountainous region, China. Frontier Forest of China, 2(1): 60-65.
- Zhu, J.J., Tan, H., Li, F.Q., Chen, M. and Zhang, J.X., 2007. Microclimate regimes following gap formation in a montane secondary forest of eastern Liaoning province, China. Journal of Forestry Research, 18(3): 167-173.
- Zoghi, M., Rahmani, R. and Shayesteh Pahangeh, E., 2012. Effect of gap size on quantitative characteristics of regeneration groups in a Parrotio-Carpinetum forest type (Shastkola forest). Iranian Journal of Forest and Poplar Research, 20(3): 493-504 (In Persian).