Spatial variability of summer microclimates and plant species response along transects within clearcuts in a beech forest

Abstract

In a 4383 ha beech forest in central Belgium, we investigated whether, within clearcuts, microclimate gradients are detectable, and we tested for correlations between plant species composition and microclimatic heterogeneity. The results highlight a strong correlation between microclimatic parameters and distance from the forest edge. Of the 47 taxa found, 38 (81%) showed a significant change in expected occurrence in response to at least one of the investigated microclimatic parameters (air and soil temperature, air humidity, light intensity). The results suggest that a substantial number of forest herbaceous species with broad European distributions show particular microclimatic requirements. Furthermore, many species show a different response to combined factors, such as for instance soil temperature with increasing air humidity, which indicates that combinations of microclimatic parameters stronger determine the actual temperature, humidity or light levels at which species are expected to be present or not.

Spatial variability in microclimate in a mixed-conifer forest before and after thinning and burning treatments

“…These implications might include managing forests for carbon sequestration, species diversity, nutrient cycling, or other ecosystem services or functions. Increased soil moisture can provide better water supplies for seed germination (Moghaddas (Dunlap and Helms, 1983; van Mantgem et al, 2006;Zald et al, 2008;Moktan et al, 2009) and can provide for increases in diversity of plant species (Godefroid et al, 2006;Dodson et al, 2008). Soil respiration, related to litter and soil organic decomposition and CWD decomposition, is increased in hotter and wetter conditions (Concilio et al, 2005;Innes et al, 2006), raising concerns about forest carbon loss.…”

Differential growth patterns and fitness may explain contrasted performances of the invasive Prunus serotina in its exotic range

“…is currently considered as one of the most aggressive exotic tree species in forests, threatening both biodiversity and wood production (Verheyen et al 2007). It thrives on well-drained, nutrient-poor soils, where it often forms pure stands, but fails to invade on waterlogged and calcareous soils (Starfinger 1997;Godefroid et al 2006;Chabrerie et al 2007;Verheyen et al 2007). Unanswered questions are why the invader performs differently among soil types and most aggressive exotic tree species in forests why it is not successfully outcompeted by the common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.).…”

Riqueza y diversidad de árboles del Bosque Estacional Caducifolio en la Depresión Central de Chiapas

“…A nivel local pueden infl uir los factores edáfi cos (Huston, 1993), o factores microclimáticos en gradientes de luz y temperatura (Godefroid et al, 2006), o la interacción entre gradientes de intensidad de competencia y disturbio (Huston, 1979). Se ha propuesto que otras variables climáticas derivadas de la temperatura y la precipitación pueden ofrecer una explicación con bases más biológicas, como la evapotranspiración real (Wright, 1983;González-Espinosa et al, 2005; o la evapotranspiración potencial (Palmer y Havens, 1958;Trejo y Dirzo, 2002).…”