engleski

Chainsaw and axe still has the highest impact on temperate forest flora in Medvednica Mt., Croatia, over a 20-year period

Aim of this study was to determine whether there are floristic changes in temperate forest communities on Medvednica Mt. central transect over a 20-year period (1998-2017). The research was conducted on 20 forest vegetation plots 50 × 50 meters in size. Data on floristic composition of same plots were analyzed based on their flora, life forms, Ellenberg’s ecological indicator values, CSR strategies and functional diversity calculated based on several plant life traits. Forest vegetation was still developed on all plots, except for one due to clear-cutting that took place 8-10 years ago. In the 1998 survey a total of 184 taxa were recorded, while 196 taxa were recorded in 2017. Similarity of two taxa records is 65.22%, while at plot level it ranged from maximum 67.86% of similarity to as low as 24.47%. Increase of number of taxa was mostly associated with management activities in certain plots, which has resulted in partly openness of the canopy. Latter was observed in increase of Ellenberg’s indicator values for light in such plots. On majority of plots, decrease in share of hemicryptophytes was observed. In general, slight shift towards the CR part of Grime triangle was observed, indicating that disturbance level has increased in the area. Based on paired t-test, there haven’t been statistically significant differences of the functional diversity values. This research shows that forest management, whether it is by clearcutting or by single-tree selection, is still most important factor that will influence floristic changes, primarily by changing the amount of light reaching the understory.

Climazonal vegetation ; Disturbance ; Floristic changes ; Forest management ; Light

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