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The distribution of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests, particularly the Vaccinio myrtillo-Pinetum type, is determined by edaphic conditions, and although clear-cutting is used to promote regeneration, it remains controversial. This study evaluated the changes in non-living (forest floor and dead wood) and living (mosses, herbs, and dwarf shrubs) ground cover in clear-cut areas and reforested Scots pine stands. Continuous ground cover studies were conducted in clear-cuts, with samples collected over three years after clear-cutting, while data from 8–80-year-old and mature Scots pine stands were collected using the chronological series method with a consistent methodology in temporary plots. The research has shown that, as ecosystem recovery progresses, similarity to the mature forest increases, and a threshold stand age has been identified, beyond which the ecological changes induced by clear-cutting diminish. The study findings demonstrated that clear-cutting in Pinetum vaccinio-myrtillosum-type forest stands lead to a rapid increase in herb and dwarf shrub cover due to reduced competition for light and nutrients. However, clear-cutting caused a significant decline in forest-specific species and a drastic reduction in forest floor and dead wood mass, with a gradual recovery of moss cover over 10–30 years. These findings highlight the importance of managing clear-cutting practices to balance immediate vegetative responses with long-term ecosystem stability and biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) grows in a range of nature types in the boreal zone, and understanding factors affecting the abundance of the plant, as well as mapping its spatial distribution, is important. The abundance of the species can be an indicator of ecosystem changes, and lingonberry can also be a source for commercial utilisation of berry resources. Using country-wide data from 6404 field plots of the Norwegian national forest inventory (NFI), we modelled the relationship between lingonberry cover and airborne laser scanning (ALS) and satellite metrics and bioclimatic variables describing the forest structure, terrain, soil properties and climate using a generalised mixed-effects model with a quasipoisson distribution. The validation carried out with an independent set of 2124 NFI plots indicated no obvious bias in predictions. The most important predictors were found to be interactions between dominant tree species, stand basal area and latitude, as well as the reflectance in the near-infrared band from Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, the dominant height based on the ALS variable and the long-term mean summer (June–August) temperature. The results provide an indicator of the effects of global warming, as well as the possibility of giving forest management prescriptions that favour lingonberry and locating the most abundant lingonberry sites in Norwegian forests.

Nutrient fertilizer application to agricultural land has led to greenhouse gas emissions and has altered soil nitrogen (N) deposition. In soil, N can be degraded in four ways: entering surface water through water flow, absorption by plants and microorganisms, decomposition into gas, and deposition as minerals. This study proposes the concept of N degradability and aims to clarify how farming activities affect N degradability in soil. Over 260 soil profiles were excavated, and the effective soil depth, coordinates, soil types, and vegetation were recorded at each measurement point. The following characteristics were determined in the soil samples: pH, organic matter, total N, total phosphorus, total potassium, total soluble N, available phosphorus, and available potassium. The sample characteristics were subjected to Pearson correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and one-way analysis of variance. The 260 samples included four soil types: dark brown soil, black soil, albic black soil, and meadow soil. Black soil exhibited more stable N levels compared with the other three soil types, showing a tendency towards N accumulation. Ground vegetation was categorized into seven types: forest, rice, maize, red adzuki bean, grassland, soybean, and others. Forests contributed the most to N deposition. Conversely, planting maize led to a tendency for N loss compared with forests. This study can provide a reference for the sustainable development of agriculture and the balance of ecological protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In boreal forests fires often ignite and spread within the dominant moss and lichen cover of the ground layer vegetation, which thus greatly influences fire hazard. We used an experimental set-up in greenhouse conditions to study the differences in how (1) fuel moisture and (2) wind velocity influence the ignition probability and fuel consumption among four common circumboreal ground vegetation fuels, Pleurozium schreberi (Willd. ex Brid.) Mitt., Hylocomium splendens Schimp., Dicranum spp. and Cladonia rangiferina (L.) F. H. Wigg. Our results show that the reindeer lichen C. rangiferina was clearly the most flammable species, with high ignition probability even at high moisture contents and low wind velocities. Of the mosses, Dicranum was the least flammable, with low ignition probability and mass loss at low wind velocities regardless of moisture content. P. schreberi and H. splendens behaved somewhat similarly with wind velocities quickly increasing the initially low ignition probability and mass loss observed in the absence of wind. However, especially for mass loss, among-species differences tended to disappear with stronger winds. The observed differences can be explained by the different structures and growth forms of the studied species and open a potential avenue for improving forest fire risk predictions.

The patterns of restoration of the ground vegetation after experimental fires of different intensity (924–4275 kW/m) in the southern taiga pine forests of the Nizhnee Priangar’e region are considered. Forest fires, depending on their intensity, lead to a decrease in species diversity (Shannon index), species richness, projective cover and ground biomass of grasses and shrubs. On the 12th and 13th years of the pyrogenic succession, the species richness of the grasses and shrubs was 60–75 % represented by species of the pre-fire community. The percent cover of the dominant ground layer Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. was 66–84 % of the pre-fire value. The aboveground biomass of the grasses and shrubs was 43–68 % of the pre fire value. Fires of medium and high intensity led to the death of the moss-lichen layer. After a fire of low intensity, the mosses were preserved in the areas not covered by fire. In the 12th and 13th years after the fires, the percent cover of the moss-lichen layer was 15–26 % of the pre-fire value. Pre-fire mosses as Pleurozium schreberi (Willd. ex Brid.) Mitt. and Dicranum polysetum Sw. are restored in the ground cover, and pioneer lichens of the Cladonia genus as: Cladonia botrytis (K. G. Hagen) Willd, Cl. cenotea (Ach.) Schaer., Cl. cornuta (L.) Hoffm., Cl. deformis (L.) Hoffm., Cl. gracilis (L.) Willd appear. Ground fires led to a change in the structure of pre-fire plant microgroups. In the 12th year after the low-intensity fire, pre-fire microgroups of Vaccinium vitis-idaea-herbs green moss and Vaccinium vitis-idaea-green moss prevailed. In the 13th year after a medium-intensity fire, within the boundaries of the pre-fire microgroup of Vaccinium vitis-idaea-lichen-green moss a monodominant microgroup of Vaccinium vitis-idaea was formed. The high-intensity fire led to an increase in the number of plant microgroups. In the ground layer were dominated by plant microassociations as – Cladonia-Polytrichum, Vaccinium vitis idaea-Polytrichum, herbs-Polytrichum, Polytrichum, Maianthemum bifolium, Vaccinium vitis-idaea-Lycopodium Polytrichum, Vaccinium vitis-idaea-Cladonia, Cladonia.

The distribution of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests, particularly the Vaccinio myrtillo-Pinetum type, is determined by edaphic conditions, and although clear-cutting is used to promote regeneration, it remains controversial. This study evaluated the changes in non-living (forest floor and dead wood) and living (mosses, herbs, and dwarf shrubs) ground cover in clear-cut areas and reforested Scots pine stands. Continuous ground cover studies were conducted in clear-cuts, with samples collected over three years after clear-cutting, while data from 8–80-year-old and mature Scots pine stands were collected using the chronological series method with a consistent methodology in temporary plots. The research has shown that, as ecosystem recovery progresses, similarity to the mature forest increases, and a threshold stand age has been identified, beyond which the ecological changes induced by clear-cutting diminish. The study findings demonstrated that clear-cutting in Pinetum vaccinio-myrtillosum-type forest stands lead to a rapid increase in herb and dwarf shrub cover due to reduced competition for light and nutrients. However, clear-cutting caused a significant decline in forest-specific species and a drastic reduction in forest floor and dead wood mass, with a gradual recovery of moss cover over 10–30 years. These findings highlight the importance of managing clear-cutting practices to balance immediate vegetative responses with long-term ecosystem stability and biodiversity conservation.

In windthrow-affected areas, the research of biota is of high relevance taking into account the lack of knowledge about the dynamics of their flora, soil properties, and tree stand regeneration. An important task is to study the mechanisms of the natural dynamics of plant communities after major disturbances in large boreal forests. This paper was aimed to investigate the effects of a total windthrow event on the dynamics of biodiversity in pristine mid-boreal spruce (Picea abies) forests. The study was carried out in the Vodlozersky National Park (Northwest Russia: Arkhangelsk Region and Republic of Karelia), situated in the northern and middle taiga subzones. A series of permanent sample plots was established in an area affected by massive windthrow in 2000. The windthrow consequences of the forest communities have been studied, starting from the year of the event (2000) at 2–5-year intervals. A soil survey has been conducted in 2016. Windthrown trees, situated in the sample plots, were counted by species and diameter classes. Natural regeneration was estimated in subplots with a division to height cohorts and vitality status. Geobotanical relevé sampling of the ground vegetation has been conducted in 1 × 1-m permanent plots. Aphyllophoroid fungi (Basidiomycota) were counted by fruit bodies. Main soil pits and partial pits were dug. The morphological description of soils was produced in both undisturbed and disturbed sites in the study area. Obtained data, covering 20 years of surveys of various components of the forest plant communities (tree stand, advance regeneration, ground vegetation, wood-destroying fungi, soils), were analysed. We found that 16–20 years after the windthrow event the species and age structure of the tree stand has been considerably changed due to the forest stand rejuvenation. Post-windthrow regeneration of coniferous species in the true-moss group of forests has been successfully going on. By the end of the second decade after the windthrow event, cowberry spruce forests contained 4300 individuals/0.01 km2 of viable spruce regeneration, including 1500 individuals/0.01 km2 belonging to the large size category of spruce trees. In the bilberry-Sphagnum-type forest, spruce regeneration amounted to 8700 individuals/0.01 km2, including 2200 individuals/0.01 km2 belonging to the large size category of spruce trees. This amount is sufficient to ensure the development of spruce-dominated communities in the future. Since the forest ecosystems were recovering after the windthrow, the biodiversity of changed, that was reflected in an increase in the species composition of the ground vegetation and fungal communities. Over the study period (2001–2021), surveys of the sample plots demonstrated 83 aphyllophoroid fungi species, including five species included in the Red Data Book of the Republic of Karelia, as well as 22 taxa, considered old-growth forest indicator- and specialist species. The number of wood-destroying fungi species was the highest in the period from the 12th to the 19th post-windthrow years. The changes in soil properties on windthrow-affected sites were more explicit in the upper horizons: soil acidity decreased; both potassium and carbon content increased; nitrogen distribution across horizons became more even. An increase in the carbon-nitrogen ratio was detected in the Е and BF horizons. The obtained data can be used for predicting the regeneration of pristine mid-boreal spruce forests affected by catastrophic disturbances.

Nutrient fertilizer application to agricultural land has led to greenhouse gas emissions and has altered soil nitrogen (N) deposition. In soil, N can be degraded in four ways: entering surface water through water flow, absorption by plants and microorganisms, decomposition into gas, and deposition as minerals. This study proposes the concept of N degradability and aims to clarify how farming activities affect N degradability in soil. Over 260 soil profiles were excavated, and the effective soil depth, coordinates, soil types, and vegetation were recorded at each measurement point. The following characteristics were determined in the soil samples: pH, organic matter, total N, total phosphorus, total potassium, total soluble N, available phosphorus, and available potassium. The sample characteristics were subjected to Pearson correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and one-way analysis of variance. The 260 samples included four soil types: dark brown soil, black soil, albic black soil, and meadow soil. Black soil exhibited more stable N levels compared with the other three soil types, showing a tendency towards N accumulation. Ground vegetation was categorized into seven types: forest, rice, maize, red adzuki bean, grassland, soybean, and others. Forests contributed the most to N deposition. Conversely, planting maize led to a tendency for N loss compared with forests. This study can provide a reference for the sustainable development of agriculture and the balance of ecological protection.

In a comparative vein, the existing and potentially possible methodological methods for delimiting zonal-provincial associations of forest-bog and peat-bog complexes are analyzed. It is shown that on geomorphological differences of locations under conditions of continuous interaction with climate elements, soils and vegetation, their relatively autonomous development in time and space is carried out. On the example of the northern part of the Ob and Tom interfluve, in accordance with the criteria of such relative autonomy, natural indicator variations in the taxation and phytocenotic structure of indigenous marsh forests and, for comparison, dry valley pine forests are characterized. In the ranks of their modern typological and morphosculptural organization, causal relationships of ecosystem diversity and productivity with water and mineral growing conditions are considered, which clearly affect the composition of the age generations of the «mother» forest stands, undersized undergrowth and juvenile renewal groups. On the basis of the dimensions of the positive elements of the phytogenic micro- and mesorelief, large-hillock and cushion-like surfaces of oligotrophic and mesotrophic pine forests with mossy-lichen-shrub vegetation are typified, in peat deposits of which permafrost aquicludes and ice lenses-migratory are regularly localized. In especially moistened eutrophic pine forests with grass-mossy and low-grass vegetation, the phytogenic relief is considered in the system of different-height, scattered and merged tussocks, as well as near-stem mounds, which are formed by frameworks of skeletal roots draped with coniferous-leaf litter, grass rags, green Bryidae Engl. and hypnum Hypnales W. R. Buck et Vitt tows mosses. Taking into account these and a number of other factors, the trend of ambiguous settlement of self-sowing and pine Pinus L. undergrowth under the canopy of «mother» forest stands is estimated. Phytocenotic and inventory indication of pine forests, based on the system-sampling method of assessment, expands the understanding of the comparative range of variability in the structure of both marsh and upland pine forests that have reached the climax or approached the stages of self-development.

The protective forests in Karelia are concentrated mainly (80 %) around water objects. More than 50 % of these forests are presented by Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands. Modern practice of forestry prefers the simplified felling types oriented on use of natural renewal potential of pine forests because artifical regeneration on stony soils are very complex. On a site of the strip-shelterwood felling (intensity of 35 %) in an uneven-age pine stand of bilberry type in 9 years after the felling three transects consisting of plots of 5 × 5 m with a total length of 1150 m across the clear-cut strips were established for an assessment of natural renewal. Under forest canopy pine undergrowth is presented poorly. At the general frequency of 15 % and average height of 1.2 m its density is less than 0.2 thousand tress per ha, and its condition does not give a hope to expect of growth improvement. The condition of spruce (Picea A. Dietr.) undergrowth is better: its frequency – 36 %, height – 2.4 m, and density – 0.32 thousand tress per ha. On the cutted strips the pine frequency are 31 %, density and frequency of spruce and birch (Betula L.) remained almost without changes; the participation of an aspen (Populus tremula L.) and willow (Salix L.) are increased sharply. The strip-roads are covered by willow weed (Chamaenerion angustifolium (L.) Scop.), under the influence of which density and frequency of the conifers is twice lower. On the whole, the frequency and average height of a pine in the middle and at the edges of cutted strips are close. The executed felling did not provide the renewal of coniferous species sufficient for formation of a new forest stand, though emergence in recent years of the small undergrowth of a pine allows to count on his further quantitative increase. The executed assessment of increase in a radial growth of trees on cores showed his insignificance. The obtained results and literary data convince of obligatory need of a scarification of the soil surface during the strip-shelterwood felling execution.

Abstract Fragmentation of habitat, for example by intensive agricultural practices, can be detrimental to local biodiversity. However, it often remains unclear whether such biodiversity declines are caused by loss of habitat area or increased fragmentation, and how habitat quality factors into it. In our study system, vegetated vineyards are typically small, and isolated from one another, potentially limiting the distribution and dispersal of organisms. In a full‐factorial experiment of a priori selected vegetated vineyard patches of differing size and fragmentation, we aimed to disentangle the effects of habitat area (area of vegetated vineyards), habitat fragmentation (number of vegetated vineyards per 100 ha) and field‐scale ground vegetation density on ground beetle, leafhopper and wild bee communities using a combined framework of multiscale and multispecies modelling (Hierarchical Model of Species Communities). We demonstrate variable effects of habitat area, fragmentation and local ground vegetation density on the three insect groups: Increased habitat area at fine scales favours higher species richness of leafhoppers, while local vegetation density boosts species richness of both leafhoppers and ground beetles, whereas no community‐level responses were detected for wild bees. We conclude that increased ground vegetation density at both field and landscape scales (i.e. higher habitat area) favours more diverse and abundant insect communities, while fragmentation effects are highly variable and species specific. In addition, our results highlight that mainly ground beetles and leafhoppers will benefit from simple ground greening measures in vineyards, while for wild bees environmental factors other than the ones tested here may drive community structure. We recommend increasing the number and area of vegetated vineyards (even at small spatial scales) requiring more nature‐friendly farming practices especially regarding a reduction or renunciation from herbicide applications, while the within‐field vegetation density should optimally be intermediate or high to favour a diverse insect community.

Abstract Seed limitation represents a fundamental constraint to the restoration of native plant communities, and practitioners often apply seed additions to overcome this barrier. However, surprisingly few studies have experimentally tested whether seed additions can increase diversity in herbaceous communities of oak woodlands, which have undergone large‐scale transformation due to logging, altered fire regimes and invasion by non‐native species. Previous studies suggest that structural (thinning of woody biomass) and process‐based (prescribed fire) restoration treatments alone are unlikely to restore the full breadth of taxonomic and functional diversity in the herb layer, which accounts for most species in woodland ecosystems. To explore whether seed additions can improve restoration outcomes in an oak woodland, we sowed high‐diversity seed mixes in paired transects (seeded vs. controls) along a topographic gradient in a degraded site undergoing restoration with non‐native shrub removal, selective tree thinning and prescribed fire. Seed mixes contained native forbs, grasses and sedges from locally sourced material (n = 169 total species) in the regional species pool, and were designed to match species' habitat affinity to appropriate locations along the topographic gradient. The herb flora was sampled pre‐seeding, and for two consecutive years after additions. Seed additions significantly altered community and functional composition, and increased native species richness by 29% (43.0 vs 55.4), and floristic quality by 30% relative to controls. However, fewer than half of the sown species were established 2 years after planting, suggesting that dispersal and establishment limitation are both important barriers to the recovery of the herb flora in oak woodlands. We also tested if species' sown abundance, conservatism or functional group predicted establishment success. Species sown at high abundances and less conservative species recruited the most reliably. Grass and forb establishment rates were more dependent on seeding rate than sedges or legumes, and the mechanisms behind this trend merit further investigation. We found that adding high‐diversity seed mixes in conjunction with non‐native shrub removal, canopy thinning and burning, can accelerate recovery of herbaceous communities in a highly degraded woodland.

The impact of the moisture regime on the carbon budget of organic soils with different nutrient statuses has not been fully studied in hemiboreal forests thus far. This study evaluated soil carbon (C) stock changes in forests with drained and undrained nutrient-rich organic soils by estimating C loss through respiration and C input through the litter. The study sites included forest stands dominated by Norway spruce (Picea abies), silver birch (Betula pendula), black alder (Alnus glutinosa), and clear-cuts. Soil respiration was measured using the chamber method, and to estimate the soil C input by litter—the biomass and the C content of the foliar litter, ground vegetation, and fine-root production were measured. The soil in forest stands acted as a C sink. The carbon dioxide (CO2) removal rates of 0.4 ± 0.4 t C ha−1 year−1 and 0.1 ± 0.4 t C ha−1 year−1 were estimated for undrained and drained soil in forest stands, respectively. The soil in the clear-cuts acted as a CO2 source, and the annual emissions ranged from 0.4 ± 0.4 t C ha−1 year−1 in undrained to 0.9 ± 0.7 t C ha−1 year−1 in drained conditions. The reason for the soil in clear-cuts being a C source was increased C loss by respiration and reduced soil C input by litter. Furthermore, the mean soil C input by ground vegetation biomass in the clear-cuts was considerably higher than in the forest stands, which did not compensate for the increase in soil respiration and the absence of C input by foliar litter and the fine roots of trees. The results of the study on annual soil C stock changes can be used as an emission factor in national greenhouse gas inventories of forest land in the hemiboreal zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slope gradient affects the development of vegetation. Because vegetation serves as food and shelter for wildlife, information about the effect of slope gradient on vegetation is important for managing wildlife and their habitats. We examined the effects of slope gradient on small rodent populations and their microhabitat conditions from May to November 2015 in a tree-thinned Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) plantation in South Korea. Study animals were captured using Sherman live traps. We surveyed slope gradient and microhabitat conditions at multiple trapping points. We focused on two rodent species for statistical analysis, the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) and the Korean field mouse (A. peninsulae). A. agrarius preferred microhabitat with dense ground vegetation, whereas A. peninsulae preferred understory vegetation. Ground vegetation was reduced as slope gradient increased, but understory vegetation was not affected by slope gradient. The results highlight that the A. agrarius population was influenced indirectly by the negative effect of slope gradient on ground vegetation because ground vegetation serves as food and shelter for A. agrarius. Thus, slope gradient had a negative effect on A. agrarius, but not on A. peninsulae. This study suggests that habitat management, especially in treethinned habitats where ground vegetation develops explosively, should be accomplished by considering slope gradient for both creating suitable microhabitats for small rodents and encouraging biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a natural regeneration process, a community dominated by birch and aspen forms in the site 35 years after a bilberry-type spruce stand is logged down. The newly formed ecotone complex consists of four zones, each characterized by certain features of the ground vegetation and epiphytic vegetation structure. The transitional zones and the mature bilberry-type spruce forest feature a clear dominance of boreal dwarf shrubs (bilberry and cowberry). Another feature of the transitional zone is a greater role of hygrophytic mosses of the genera Polytrichum and Sphagnum. Meanwhile, the true mosses Pleurozium schreberi and Hylocomium splendens dominate under spruce forest canopy, and the moss cover in the young deciduous stand is virtually nonexistent. The structure of epiphytic vegetation depends on the habitat conditions—the surface of tree trunks in the transitional zone is better lit and drier than inside the tree stand, which results in a higher abundance of epiphytic lichens of the genus Cladonia. The deciduous–coniferous fine root biomass ratio is dependent on the tree stand structure and is unrelated to ecotone zones. Overall, studies have demonstrated that transitional zones have certain characteristic ecological and community features, which persist for a long time after tree stand removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural intensification is a main threat to biodiversity, and vineyards are particularly concerning because of their increasing extent and intensive management. Management strategies that mitigate vineyard impacts on biodiversity are urgently needed.In a major wine area in northern Italy, we tested in a 3‐year experiment the effect of alternate management of vineyard ground cover (mowing or tillage depending on the usual management system adopted by each farmer). After a first year (2017) with no implementation (baseline), in the two subsequent spring–summer periods (2018 and 2019), alternate management was adopted in a varying number of sites, providing an ideal BACI design. Birds and butterflies were selected as target groups, and surveyed by means of 200‐m linear transects scattered over both conventional and organic vineyards, with and without alternate management.We evaluated whether the implementation of alternate management resulted in an increase in species richness per transect. We also evaluated the effect of alternate management, year and land cover on different functional avian guilds (functional insectivores, seed eaters, potential grape eaters), considering both richness and abundance.For both birds and butterflies, we found a positive effect of alternate management on the number of species per transect. The implementation of alternate management also promoted richness and abundance of functional insectivores and abundance of seed eaters; a positive but less supported association was also found between alternate management and richness and abundance of potential grape eaters. The most relevant land cover for the supply of ecosystem services by birds was likely shrubland cover, which increased richness and abundance of insectivores and seed eaters, while not supporting potential grape eaters. Farmers reported no adverse effects of alternate management, and a positive impact on farm perception by consumers.Synthesis and applications. The very easy‐to‐implement alternate inter‐row management has the potential to rapidly increase the suitability of vineyards for biodiversity, while enhancing ecosystem services and attractiveness of farms for nature‐based recreation, contributing to their multi‐functionality. Alternate management could contribute to shape, for example, new interventions within the coming Common Agricultural Policy, and its benefits may be maximized by sympathetic landscape strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in fires in urban landscapes causes adverse and sometimes irreversible changes in forest ecosystems. The modern solution is to find the places of primary fires and the most dangerous areas. The purpose of this study was to find dependences between the forest typological features of forest stands and their fire danger. To fulfil this purpose, a systematic analysis of forest fire danger and phytoindication were performed. The composition of the flora of edge biotopes was figured out using the route geobotanical method. The article analyses forest fires that occurred in urban forests of Kyiv during 2014-2021. Primary ignition locations have been identified. It was proved that fires often occurred on the forest edges, as well as along highways and railways. Among the standard indicators of fire danger (number and area of forest fires), the method makes provision for establishing the fire frequencies in the same forest area. This indicator allows figuring out the most dangerous areas from the pyrogenic standpoint. It was found that the simple edge is characterised by a minimal taxonomic composition in the ground vegetation and its projective cover of up to 20%. The grass tier stabilises the environment and mitigates the effects of extreme natural phenomena. The vegetation cover of an elementary and multicomponent edge is one of the barriers that can stop surface fires. Taxonomic diversity, especially of deciduous species, determines the pyrological features of forest edges. Analysis of the flora of marginal biotopes showed that oligotrophs, xerophytes, and xeromesophytes predominate among the species of simple edges. The share of ruderal elements in the ground vegetation was 36%, which indicates a significant anthropogenic impact and synanthropisation of the flora of the edges. These processes adversely impact the conservation of typical species but have a fire-retaining effect. Analysis of forest fires dynamics under intensive recreational loads allows substantiating the vectors for fire safety improvement, choosing a strategy for ensuring fire safety, and increasing the economic and social efficiency of fire prevention measures. It is proved that the forest edge is one of the decisive factors in the fire behaviour arising from a nonwooded area. The formation of multicomponent edges will help minimise the risks of fires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the short-term effects of tree thinning on microhabitat factors and the abundances of striped field mice Apodemus agrarius, Korean field mice Apodemus peninsulae, and Korean red-backed voles Myodes regulus within a Japanese larch Larix kaempferi forest in South Korea. Three different stands were thinned to 0%, 25%, or 50%. Ground vegetation was higher in the second year of tree thinning than in the first year. In the first year of thinning, ground vegetation was significantly higher in the control than in the 50% thinned stand, whereas the opposite trend was observed in the second year. Mid-story vegetation was higher in the control than in the 50% thinned stand. In the first year of thinning, the sub-overstory vegetation was higher in the control than in the 50% thinned stand. Basal area was the highest in the control stand. Abundances of the three rodent species were higher in the second year of tree thinning than in the first year. The abundance of A. peninsulae was higher in the control than in the 50% thinned stand. Overall, the three rodent species preferred microhabitats with dense ground vegetation. Our results showed that the short-term effects of tree thinning altered microhabitat factors and disturbed microhabitat conditions in the first year; furthermore, the 50% thinned stand did not provide suitable habitats for A. peninsulae. In this study, moderate (25%) tree thinning resulted in a convenient balance between biodiversity conservation and human demands for forest wood.

Studies conducted in forests have resulted in much of the ecological theory we build upon today. However, our basic understanding of forest ecology comes almost exclusively from the study of trees, even though they represent only a small fraction of the plant diversity present in forests. In recent decades there has been an increasing number of studies of forest herbs, broadening our understanding of plant community ecology in forest ecosystems. Here we highlight ten recent studies examining patterns and drivers of, as well as threats to, herbaceous plant diversity in forests. We first examine local, regional, and global patterns of herbaceous diversity in forests and how such patterns differ for woody versus herbaceous species. We then focus on ecological mechanisms that contribute to forest herb diversity, including the role of abiotic and biotic interactions. We end by discussing some major anthropogenic impacts on forest herb diversity, identifying where herbs are particularly susceptible or particularly resilient to current and predicted changes in comparison to trees. The studies we feature demonstrate that patterns and drivers of diversity often differ between woody and herbaceous plant communities. To facilitate cross-site comparisons, there is great need for more standardized survey methods for herbaceous plants, for simultaneous measurements of multiple plant growth forms, and for incorporating herbs into long-term forest monitoring networks. In addition, the selected studies reveal how land-use history, overabundant herbivores, invasive species, and climate change are all impacting forest herb communities. Some common characteristics of herbaceous plants, such as limited dispersal and small stature, may make forest herb communities more susceptible to these anthropogenic impacts, while others (e.g., resprouting ability, clonal reproduction) may make them more resilient compared to forest trees. More research is needed from both plant ecologists and applied forest practitioners to predict how herbaceous forest diversity will change in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Question: Salvage logging and prescribed fire are commonly applied in forests worldwide, yet little is known about the combined impacts of these management actions on early‐successional ecosystems. We questioned how operational‐scale prescribed fire would affect ground flora cover, species diversity, and life‐history trait expression in Pinus palustris woodlands differentially impacted by an Enhanced Fujita scale 3 (EF3) tornado and salvage logging. Location: Fall Line Hills, Alabama, USA (32°55ʹ30ʺ N, 87°24ʹ00ʺ W). Methods: The composition and foliar cover of woody and herbaceous plants ≤1 m height were monitored before and after prescribed fire in 600 1‐m2 quadrats distributed throughout mature, wind‐disturbed, and salvage‐logged Pinus palustris woodlands. Plant taxa were categorized by growth habit and life form to aid interpretation of multivariate analyses used to illustrate differences in ground flora assemblages between disturbance categories. Results: Prescribed fire reduced ground flora cover, but not diversity, which remained greatest in wind‐disturbed sites that were not salvage‐logged. Though ground flora assemblages remained disparate between disturbance categories, prescribed fire imposed some consistent selective pressures on plants with common life‐history strategies. Post‐fire understorey tree cover reductions coincided with increased shrub cover throughout the treatment area. Nonetheless, differences in graminoid cover were exaggerated after prescribed fire, and representation of the geophyte life form was relatively constant across space and time. Conclusions: Prescribed fire did not counteract salvage‐mediated reductions in ground flora diversity. Retention of downed deadwood maximized early‐successional plant diversity in wind‐disturbed sites. Trait‐based ground flora analyses enabled a more detailed understanding of disturbance effects than aggregate metrics of foliar cover and diversity. In ecosystems with high floristic diversity, grouping plants by common life‐history traits can provide a simple and effective means to monitor impacts of management actions on ecosystem recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive alien species (IAS) are one of the major threats to global and local biodiversity. In forest ecosystems, the threats caused by IAS include hybridization, transmission of diseases and species competition. This review sets out to analyze the impact of alien plant species on forest regeneration, which we consider to be one of the key stages in tree ecology for the survival of forest ecosystems in the future. The focus of the study is directly relevant to practitioners, forest managers and the conservation management of forests. With this systematic review, we aim to provide an overview of 48 research studies reporting on the impact and/or management of IAS in European temperate forests. We followed a multi-step protocol for compiling the publications for the literature review, with nine search queries producing a total of 3,825 hits. After several reduction rounds, we ended up with a grand total of 48 papers. We identified 53 vascular plant species having a negative influence on forest regeneration in Central European forests. In total, 21 tree species are reported to be impacted by IAS in 24 studies. The results of the review synthesis show that five impact mechanisms affect the regeneration success of native tree species: competition for resources, chemical impact on regeneration, physical impact on regeneration, structural impact on regeneration and indirect impact through interaction with other species. We identified in our synthesis management measures that have been recommended for application at different stages of biological invasions. The associated costs and required resources of management measures are under-reported or not accessible by reviewing the scientific literature. We can thus conclude that it is very import to improve the links between science and practical forest management. We expect that this review will provide direction for invasive plant species research and management aimed at protecting biodiversity in European temperate forest ecosystems.

Most woodlands of the Northern Eurasia are represented by bilberry-green moss spruce-fir forests. At the same time, a tall herb type of spruce-fir forests that occupies a much smaller area was identified and described. The objective of this work is to evaluate and compare the species richness and productivity of the ground vegetation of tall herb spruce-fir (unique) and bilberry-green moss spruce-fir (typical) forests of the Northern Urals. Based on previous studies, two forest types were selected in the foothill part of the Pechora-Ilych nature reserve with tall herb and bilberry-green moss ground vegetation, where total mapping, determination of microsite area and geobotanical descriptions had been carried out previously. Material for determination of the aboveground and below-ground phytomass and chemical composition of plant species was collected in 2017–2018. The concentrations of C and N in plant samples were measured on the elemental analyzer, and Mg, Al, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, and Zn content was found using the method of measuring mass fraction of the element in powder samples by X-ray fluorescence analysis. It was found out that the total phytomass of vascular plants in the ground vegetation of tall herb forests is 5 times higher than that of bilberry-green moss forests. The phytomass of mosses, on the contrary, is 4.4 times lower in tall herb forests in comparison with bilberry-green moss forests. Examination of ecological-coenotic groups of plants in terms of the content of chemical elements taking phytomass in consideration shows that the greatest contribution to the accumulation of macro- and microelements in the tall herb spruce-fir forest is made by the plants from tall herbs, boreal dwarf shrubs and boreal small herbs groups; in the bilberry-green moss spruce-fir forest, the main role is played by mosses and boreal dwarf shrubs. To assess the content of biogenic elements in the ground vegetation a differentiated approach was suggested, which included accounting for above-ground and below-ground phytomass by ecological-coenotic groups of plants within different types of microsites.

Invasive alien species (IAS) are one of the major threats to global and local biodiversity. In forest ecosystems, the threats caused by IAS include hybridization, transmission of diseases and species competition. This review sets out to analyze the impact of alien plant species on forest regeneration, which we consider to be one of the key stages in tree ecology for the survival of forest ecosystems in the future. The focus of the study is directly relevant to practitioners, forest managers and the conservation management of forests. With this systematic review, we aim to provide an overview of 48 research studies reporting on the impact and/or management of IAS in European temperate forests. We followed a multi-step protocol for compiling the publications for the literature review, with nine search queries producing a total of 3,825 hits. After several reduction rounds, we ended up with a grand total of 48 papers. We identified 53 vascular plant species having a negative influence on forest regeneration in Central European forests. In total, 21 tree species are reported to be impacted by IAS in 24 studies. The results of the review synthesis show that five impact mechanisms affect the regeneration success of native tree species: competition for resources, chemical impact on regeneration, physical impact on regeneration, structural impact on regeneration and indirect impact through interaction with other species. We identified in our synthesis management measures that have been recommended for application at different stages of biological invasions. The associated costs and required resources of management measures are under-reported or not accessible by reviewing the scientific literature. We can thus conclude that it is very import to improve the links between science and practical forest management. We expect that this review will provide direction for invasive plant species research and management aimed at protecting biodiversity in European temperate forest ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional traits respond to environmental drivers, hence evaluating trait‐environment relationships across spatial environmental gradients can help to understand how multiple drivers influence plant communities. Global‐change drivers such as changes in atmospheric nitrogen deposition occur worldwide, but affect community trait distributions at the local scale, where resources (e.g. light availability) and conditions (e.g. soil pH) also influence plant communities.We investigate how multiple environmental drivers affect community trait responses related to resource acquisition (plant height, specific leaf area (SLA), woodiness, and mycorrhizal status) and regeneration (seed mass, lateral spread) of European temperate deciduous forest understoreys. We sampled understorey communities and derived trait responses across spatial gradients of global‐change drivers (temperature, precipitation, nitrogen deposition, and past land use), while integrating in‐situ plot measurements on resources and conditions (soil type, Olsen phosphorus (P), Ellenberg soil moisture, light, litter mass, and litter quality).Among the global‐change drivers, mean annual temperature strongly influenced traits related to resource acquisition. Higher temperatures were associated with taller understoreys producing leaves with lower SLA, and a higher proportional cover of woody and obligate mycorrhizal (OM) species. Communities in plots with higher Ellenberg soil moisture content had smaller seeds and lower proportional cover of woody and OM species. Finally, plots with thicker litter layers hosted taller understoreys with larger seeds and a higher proportional cover of OM species.Our findings suggest potential community shifts in temperate forest understoreys with global warming, and highlight the importance of local resources and conditions as well as global‐change drivers for community trait variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we set out to determine the cascade effects of slope gradient on ground vegetation and small-rodent populations in a forest ecosystem. We focused on two forest-dwelling small rodents with different habitat requirements, the striped field mouse Apodemus agrarius (preferring dense ground vegetation) and the Korean field mouse A. peninsulae (dense forest and woodland). The study area comprised natural deciduous forests and Japanese larch Larix kaempferi plantations in South Korea. The abundance of A. agrarius but not that of A. peninsulae was related to slope gradient. There was a negative effect of slope gradient on ground vegetation coverage and a positive effect of ground vegetation on A. agrarius populations. Our results highlight that the population of A. agrarius was indirectly influenced by the negative effects of slope gradient on ground vegetation. Slope gradient can, therefore, be a limiting factor in the microhabitats occupied by small rodents. This study reveals a critical role for slope gradient since it can modify not only microhabitat conditions, but also small-rodent populations, and this finding can contribute to improved microhabitat management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focused on the estimation of aboveground biomass and its carbon stock in the vegetation cover on the territory of the High Tatras twelve years after a large-scale wind disturbance. Besides biomass quantification of main plant groups (i.e. trees and ground vegetation) we considered plant components with special regard to carbon rotation rate. The measurements were performed on two transects each containing 25 plots sized 4 × 4 m. Height and stem diameter of all trees on the plots were measured and used for biomass estimation. To quantify the biomass of ground vegetation, six subplots sized 20 × 20 cm were systematically placed on each plot and the aboveground biomass was harvested. The plant material was subjected to chemical analyses to quantify its carbon concentration. The study showed that while the wind disturbance caused dramatic decrease of carbon stock, young post-disturbance stands with abundant ground vegetation, represented large carbon flux via litter fall. Twelve years after the wind disturbance, the trees contributed to carbon stock more than the ground vegetation. However, the opposite situation was recorded for the carbon flux to litter that was related to the dominance of annual plants in the above-ground biomass of ground vegetation. The carbon stock in the biomass of young trees and ground vegetation represented about 8,000 kg per ha. The young stands manifested a dynamic growth, specifically the aboveground biomass increased annually by one third. The results confirmed different carbon regimes in the former old (pre-disturbance) and sparse young (post-disturbance) stands.

A repeated soil survey (1995 and 2006) on 66 ICP Forests pair plots in the Czech Republic revealed a significant relationship between modeled nitrogen deposition and nitrogen concentration in the soil. Nitrogen deposition was modeled for the years 1995, 2004 and 2006. We found a more significant relationship between deposition data in 2004 and soil data in 2006 than between deposition and soil data from the same year 2006. Concentration of total nitrogen in forest soil increased from 1995 to 2006. Forest soil showed effects of increased nitrogen input from the humus layer to around 20 cm depth of mineral soil. The occurrence and cover of nitrophilous species in the herb layer increased from 1995 to 2006 in 25% of the analyzed plots, which corresponds to the nitrogen increase in forest soil. The results suggest that nitrogen deposition still represents a threat for Czech forest ecosystems.

Abstract Higher tree species richness often increases the diversity of other taxonomic groups and is promoted in many managed forest systems. The reason for the higher diversity is due to, for example, inter‐specific differences in resource filtering of the trees. Resource filtering also depends on the total density of the tree layer, but the interaction between tree species composition and density is, so far, unexplored. Likewise, few studies have addressed whether mixtures of tree species host higher diversity, or support higher productivity, of other taxa than monocultures of the same tree species. We use a gradient in overstory tree species composition, ranging from pure Norway spruce (Picea abies) to pure Birch (Betula sp.), combined with a gradient from open to closed forest, to assess the joint effects of tree species mixture and forest density on the understory vegetation. The cover and species richness of understory vascular plants increased with an increasing proportion of birch and decreased with increasing forest density, while the cover of bryophytes decreased with an increasing proportion of birch and increasing forest density. There were clear interactions between tree species composition and forest density; the decrease in vascular plants with forest density was stronger in forest dominated by spruce than in forests dominated by birch, and the positive effect of an increasing proportion of birch was smaller in dense than in open forests. There were no indications of mixed forests supporting a higher species richness or plant cover than any of the two monocultures. Additionally, few species (10%) showed tendencies toward a higher probability of occurrence in mixed forests, and most of these also occurred in open pure stands. Our results indicate a potential conflict between goals for diversified forests and increased biomass production, as the positive effects for understory vegetation from mixtures may be lost to concomitant increases in forest density. Furthermore, the limited number of species benefiting from mixtures per se indicates that similar biodiversity benefits for understory vegetation may be obtained at landscape levels from the increased use of broadleaf and lower‐density production stands, as from mixtures.

Ciliwung riverbank has been affected by settlement occupation. Both concrete and another retaining wall system have been built to avoid flood and erosion to the settlement that has existed adjacent to the river. Built environment as human disturbance can trigger the change of species richness of ground vegetation in the Ciliwung riverbank of Bogor City. The research objective is to study the difference of ground vegetation biodiversity in three different types of riverbank based on its condition: natural, semi-natural, and constructed riverbanks. Point method and photographic sampling are used. Five replications of a square metre plot at three transects were placed at four sites sampling along 250 m each from the three different types of riverbank. Images of the plots are trained using sample point to overcome the difficulties in the field observation and statistical analysis. The result discovered that species richness in the natural riverbank is significantly higher than in semi-natural and constructed riverbank. Yet, no significance of species richness is shown between semi-natural and constructed riverbank. Total species of ground vegetation that we found were 55 species. Each different type of riverbank has its own highest species coverage: Asystasia nemorum (55.00%) in the natural riverbank, Pilea nummulariifolia (33.07%) in the semi-natural riverbank, and Pogonatherum crinitum (52.80%) in the constructed riverbank. The study concluded that the construction in the riverbank largely altered the biodiversity of ground vegetation in the urban riverbank. The outcomes suggest that the remnant of natural riverbank in the urban landscape should be highly protected from urban development to preserve its biodiversity. Also, species found could be potentially developed as landscape plants to support urban river planning, design, and management.

We used a capture-recapture method to investigate the ecological factor influencing small rodents in a tree thinned Japanese larch Larix kaempferi plantation in Mt. Maehwa, Hongcheon, South Korea. The midstory, understory and ground vegetation coverage, the number of standing and downed trees ha-1 and the volume of downed trees ha-1 were significantly different between the pre- and post-thinning sessions. Mean density of Apodemus agrarius, A. peninsulae, and Myodes regulus were significantly different between sessions. Monthly captured adults and juveniles of A. agrarius and A. peninsulae were significantly higher in the post- than in the pre-thinning session. Population sizes were dramatically increased in the postthinning session. Ground and understory vegetation coverage and number of downed trees ha-1 positively influenced the density. The overstory vegetation coverage negatively influenced the density. Tree thinning resulted in well-developed ground and understory vegetation and increasing downed trees might be an important method for forest management and biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of multi-dimensional data is one of the major gaps which limit the knowledge and the assessment possibilities of European forests. Nowadays, the most extensive and complete data on the European forest statuses are given by National Forest Inventories (NFIs) which provide information about the extent of forest's resources and their composition and structure. Traditionally, NFIs collect data related to trees, with a limited consideration of other habitat components, such as ground vegetation. This information which goes beyond the mere arboreal component is instead essential for a more complete forest biodiversity assessment. This paper is aimed at introducing the ICP Forests LI-BioDiv database which resulted from BioSoil Forest Biodiversity, a large collaborative European project. This database is organized as a multi-dimensional forest geodatabase that contains forest structure and vegetation records collected in 19 European countries in the period of 2005–2008. The data were acquired from 3311 geocoded plots where several different types of data were gathered: stand-level general information, tree-level data, deadwood, canopy closure and floristic composition. This paper is structured in order to: (1) give a clear overview of the raw data available in the database and to (2) present an elaboration of raw data to calculate simple plot-level forest variables (biomass, deadwood volume, alpha diversity). On the basis of the results we achieved, the LI-BioDiv database appears useful mainly for research purposes aimed at studying cross-relationships between multiple forest variables and not for an operative use for monitoring and assessing European forest. In particular, we hope that this contribution can stimulate scientists to carry out cross-analysis of the database for defining future forest biodiversity indicators that could be introduced into the field protocols of the NFIs in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Higher tree species richness often increases the diversity of other taxonomic groups and is promoted in many managed forest systems. The reason for the higher diversity is due to, for example, interspecific differences in resource filtering of the trees. Resource filtering also depends on the total density of the tree layer, but the interaction between tree species composition and density is, so far, unexplored. Likewise, few studies have addressed whether mixtures of tree species host higher diversity, or support higher productivity, of other taxa than monocultures of the same tree species. We use a gradient in overstory tree species composition, ranging from pure Norway spruce (Picea abies) to pure Birch (Betula sp.), combined with a gradient from open to closed forest, to assess the joint effects of tree species mixture and forest density on the understory vegetation. The cover and species richness of understory vascular plants increased with an increasing proportion of birch and decreased with increasing forest density, while the cover of bryophytes decreased with an increasing proportion of birch and increasing forest density. There were clear interactions between tree species composition and forest density; the decrease in vascular plants with forest density was stronger in forest dominated by spruce than in forests dominated by birch, and the positive effect of an increasing proportion of birch was smaller in dense than in open forests. There were no indications of mixed forests supporting a higher species richness or plant cover than any of the two monocultures. Additionally, few species (10%) showed tendencies toward a higher probability of occurrence in mixed forests, and most of these also occurred in open pure stands. Our results indicate a potential conflict between goals for diversified forests and increased biomass production, as the positive effects for understory vegetation from mixtures may be lost to concomitant increases in forest density. Furthermore, the limited number of species benefiting from mixtures per se indicates that similar biodiversity benefits for understory vegetation may be obtained at landscape levels from the increased use of broadleaf and lowerdensity production stands, as from mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vineyards are intensively managed monocultures, constituting homogeneously cultivated landscapes. They often have a mineral appearance, not only because they occur mostly in xeric biomes but also as a result of the herbicide treatments used to combat ground vegetation. However, new vineyard management practices are being developed that tolerate more vegetation cover on the ground, potentially having positive impacts on biodiversity. We have investigated the effects of ground greening on habitat preferences of the Woodlark (Lullula arborea), an emblematic, insectivorous passerine typical of vineyards in central and southern Europe. We first investigated the role of ground vegetation cover and plant species richness on habitat use by Woodlarks, while accounting for various additional habitat characteristics. Second, we assessed whether the dependence of Woodlarks on ground vegetation cover could be mediated by an increased occurrence of invertebrate prey. Ground-dwelling invertebrates were sampled with pitfall traps placed in vineyard fields visited by Woodlarks (presence fields) and in adjacent vineyards where Woodlarks had not been observed (pseudo-absence fields). We show that increased ground vegetation cover, plant species richness and wider inter-rows were the main drivers of Woodlark occurrence. Overall invertebrate prey abundance increased with ground vegetation cover. Similarly, the abundance and number of beetle and spider families were primarily driven by increased ground vegetation cover, plant species richness or wider inter-rows. We conclude that less intensive management, which involves the restricted use of herbicides and concomitantly favors a diverse plant community, promotes Woodlarks and their invertebrate prey, thus having a positive impact on vineyard biodiversity at multiple trophic levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of disturbances on boreal forest plant communities is not fully understood, particularly when different disturbances are combined, and regime shifts to alternate stable states are possible after disturbance. A long‐term monitored semi‐natural forest site subject to intense combined storm and bark beetle damage beginning in 2005 provided an opportunity to investigate the postdisturbance development of the vegetation community. Previous studies suggest that a shift from Piceaabies to Fagus sylvatica domination was possible.We analyzed pre‐ and postdisturbance vegetation data to investigate to what extent vascular plant species abundances, diversity, traits, and community composition have changed. We were particularly interested in differences between remaining apparently unaffected areas (potential refugia) and disturbed areas, and in signs of consistent change over time in community composition in response to disturbance that could indicate an impending regime shift.We found that the vegetation community present in the refuge areas has remained substantially intact through the period of disturbance. Nonrefuge areas diverged from the refuges in community composition and showed increased taxonomic and functional diversity. Despite this, and an increase in deciduous tree species (particularly F. sylvatica), P. abies has shown strong postdisturbance regeneration. The refuges may be important in the apparent ongoing recovery of the disturbed areas to a P. abies‐dominated state similar to that found predisturbance. This fast recovery is interpreted as evidence of a system resilient to a potential shift to a deciduous‐dominated state.Synthesis: Our results show that even powerful combined disturbances in a system with multiple stable states can be insufficient to initiate a regime shift. Resilience of the P. abies‐dominated forest community is increased by the survival of refuge areas functioning as a form of ecological memory of the previous ecosystem state. The results also demonstrate the value of data generated by long‐term monitoring programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The cover of bilberry is best developed at intermediate stand densities (basal area per hectare). • Stand densities of 30 m2 ha−1 will often give favourable conditions for bilberry. • Stand density at peak bilberry cover depends on stand age, irradiance and tree species composition. • Depending on species composition and site conditions, bilberry cover peaked with overstory density of 20–40 m2 ha−1. Abstract The ericaceous shrub bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) is a keystone species of the Eurasian boreal forest. The most optimal light condition for this plant is partial shading. Shade from the forest canopy depends on the stand density, a forest attribute that can be manipulated by forest managers. Most previous studies of the relationship between bilberry abundance and forest density have not explored the potentially modifying impacts of factors like stand age, tree species composition, and the solar irradiation at the site, as determined by location and topography. Using data from the Norwegian National Forest Inventory, we developed a generalized linear model applicable to estimate local bilberry cover across a wide range of environmental conditions in Norway. The explanatory terms in the final model were stand density (basal area per ha), solar irradiation, stand age, percentages of deciduous, pine, and spruce trees, summer (June-August) mean temperature and precipitation sum, mean temperature in January, site index, and soil category, in addition to the two-way interactions between stand density and the following: solar irradiation, stand age, percentage of deciduous trees, and percentage of Norway spruce (Picea abies). The final model explained ca. 21% of the total variation in bilberry cover. We conclude that a stand density of c. 30 m2 ha−1 in general will create favourable conditions for bilberry. If the forest is younger than 80 years old, or dominated by Norway spruce or deciduous trees, the optimal stand density is reduced to around 20 m2 ha−1. In a forest dominated by Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), basal areas up to 40 m2 ha−1 would be beneficial to bilberry abundance. Our results demonstrate the importance of considering interactions between stand density and other stand and site characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ciliwung riverbank has been affected by settlement occupation. Both concrete and another retaining wall system have been built to avoid flood and erosion to the settlement that has existed adjacent to the river. Built environment as human disturbance can trigger the change of species richness of ground vegetation in the Ciliwung riverbank of Bogor City. The research objective is to study the difference of ground vegetation biodiversity in three different types of riverbank based on its condition: natural, semi-natural, and constructed riverbanks. Point method and photographic sampling are used. Five replications of a square metre plot at three transects were placed at four sites sampling along 250 m each from the three different types of riverbank. Images of the plots are trained using sample point to overcome the difficulties in the field observation and statistical analysis. The result discovered that species richness in the natural riverbank is significantly higher than in semi-natural and constructed riverbank. Yet, no significance of species richness is shown between semi-natural and constructed riverbank. Total species of ground vegetation that we found were 55 species. Each different type of riverbank has its own highest species coverage: Asystasia nemorum (55.00%) in the natural riverbank, Pilea nummulariifolia (33.07%) in the semi-natural riverbank, and Pogonatherum crinitum (52.80%) in the constructed riverbank. The study concluded that the construction in the riverbank largely altered the biodiversity of ground vegetation in the urban riverbank. The outcomes suggest that the remnant of natural riverbank in the urban landscape should be highly protected from urban development to preserve its biodiversity. Also, species found could be potentially developed as landscape plants to support urban river planning, design, and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diversity of parasitoid and predator arthropod in oil palm and paddy field at Cindali, Bogor Regency. Biodiversity can be defined as the diversity of living things in various places to the riches on earth. Insects as one of the components of biodiversity have an important role in the food web as herbivores, carnivores (parasitoids and predators), and detritivores. The research aimed to study the diversity of parasitoids and predators at two sampling locations. Sampling was carried out at the oil palm plantation PTPN VIII Cindali, Ranca Bungur, Bogor and at the paddy fields that adjacent to the plantation. This research was conducted in December 2014 until July 2015. This research takes 3 plots in oil palm plantations and 3 plots in paddy field. Each plot consists of 5 subplots, one of each was 18 x 18 m. Sampling was carried out following the paddy age, since 2 week after plantation until paddy harvested and repeated every 2 weeks. This research use three methods, i.e. insect nets, pitfall trap and yellow pan trap. The results showed that the diversity of parasitoids and predators on both planting locations was high. In the oil palm plantations the total number of insect parasitoids and predators was 184 morphospecies from 10 orders and 57 families, while in the paddy fields was 183 morphospecies from 10 orders and 60 families. Telenomus podisi parasitoids and predators Anoplolepis gracilipes is morphospecies with the highest abundance.