TY - JOUR

T1 - Species diversity and species composition of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens

T2 - a comparison of managed and unmanaged beech forests in NE Germany

AU - Friedel, Agnes

AU - Oheimb, Goddert

AU - Dengler, Jürgen

AU - Härdtle, Werner

PY - 2006/5/1

Y1 - 2006/5/1

N2 - The impact of forest management on the species diversity and species composition of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens in beech forests (Fagus sylvatica) of NE Germany was analysed. The investigations were carried out in one unmanaged and in one managed forest, with 45 sample plots of 400 m 2 each. In the sample plots, the presence of the epiphytes on 2-4 randomly chosen trees (100 trees per forest) and seven environmental variables were recorded. The total number of species and the mean lichen density per mantle area was higher in the unmanaged forest than in the managed forest. Regression analyses and DCA revealed the diameter at breast height (dbh) as the most important factor affecting the species diversity and species composition in both forest types. The dbh was positively correlated with the number of growth anomalies and with the bark roughness of the phorophytes and thus a good indicator for the habitat quality. Moreover, the light conditions had a significant impact on the species composition in both forests types and on the species diversity in the managed forest. In particular, epiphytes demanding shady conditions and a consistent humidity may suffer from the abrupt exposition to radiation and the lower humidity after logging. Species typical for the unmanaged forest and most rare species must be considered as stenoecious as they demand the shady and humid conditions of the forest interior and grow on old, large trees. With the aim of sustaining the diversity of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens, forest management should ensure the continuous occurrence of big trees above the target diameter. In addition, a single tree selection felling method should be applied to minimise strong changes in the microclimate.

AB - The impact of forest management on the species diversity and species composition of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens in beech forests (Fagus sylvatica) of NE Germany was analysed. The investigations were carried out in one unmanaged and in one managed forest, with 45 sample plots of 400 m 2 each. In the sample plots, the presence of the epiphytes on 2-4 randomly chosen trees (100 trees per forest) and seven environmental variables were recorded. The total number of species and the mean lichen density per mantle area was higher in the unmanaged forest than in the managed forest. Regression analyses and DCA revealed the diameter at breast height (dbh) as the most important factor affecting the species diversity and species composition in both forest types. The dbh was positively correlated with the number of growth anomalies and with the bark roughness of the phorophytes and thus a good indicator for the habitat quality. Moreover, the light conditions had a significant impact on the species composition in both forests types and on the species diversity in the managed forest. In particular, epiphytes demanding shady conditions and a consistent humidity may suffer from the abrupt exposition to radiation and the lower humidity after logging. Species typical for the unmanaged forest and most rare species must be considered as stenoecious as they demand the shady and humid conditions of the forest interior and grow on old, large trees. With the aim of sustaining the diversity of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens, forest management should ensure the continuous occurrence of big trees above the target diameter. In addition, a single tree selection felling method should be applied to minimise strong changes in the microclimate.

KW - Biology

KW - Ecosystems Research

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=33745032307&partnerID=8YFLogxK

UR - https://www.mendeley.com/catalogue/3e075d8c-89d1-3f24-9d03-d05b829eac95/

U2 - 10.1002/fedr.200511084

DO - 10.1002/fedr.200511084

M3 - Journal articles

VL - 117

SP - 172

EP - 185

JO - Feddes Repertorium

JF - Feddes Repertorium

SN - 0014-8962

IS - 1/2

ER -