Diameter Class (diameter + class)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Effects of selective logging on tree diversity, composition and plant functional type patterns in a Bornean rain forest

JOURNAL OF VEGETATION SCIENCE, Issue 1 2003
René Verburg
Sidiyasa et al. (1999); Anon. (1955,1994) Abstract. The effects of selective logging on tree diversity, changes in tree species composition and plant functional types were studied with the use of seven permanent plots in virgin and in logged forest. All plots were located in a lowland dipterocarp rain forest in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. Just after logging and during the following 20 yr tree diversity measured as Fishers', was not significantly affected in logged forest plots. Temporal shifts in tree species composition were analysed with Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Logged forest plots had much larger changes over time than virgin forest plots. In the smallest diameter class, some logged forest plots showed a distinct trajectory in PCA space compared to virgin forest plots, while in larger diameter classes movement of logged plots in PCA space was random. This suggests that there is no predetermined community to which logged forest plots tend to shift when recovering from logging. We found a significant negative correlation between diameter increments and the species-specific wood densities of tree species. Species-specific wood density and potential tree height were used to assign species to five PFTs. As expected, logging increased the fraction of softwood stems in small diameter classes. In the largest diameter classes (, 50 cm DBH) a strong decrease of softwood emergent stems was found in logged forest plots. After more than 20 yr no recruitment was found of softwood emergent stems in selectively logged forest. [source]


CO2 enrichment increases carbon and nitrogen input from fine roots in a deciduous forest

NEW PHYTOLOGIST, Issue 3 2008
Colleen M. Iversen
Summary ,,Greater fine-root production under elevated [CO2] may increase the input of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) to the soil profile because fine root populations turn over quickly in forested ecosystems. ,,Here, the effect of elevated [CO2] was assessed on root biomass and N inputs at several soil depths by combining a long-term minirhizotron dataset with continuous, root-specific measurements of root mass and [N]. The experiment was conducted in a CO2 -enriched sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) plantation. ,,CO2 enrichment had no effect on root tissue density or [N] within a given diameter class. Root biomass production and standing crop were doubled under elevated [CO2]. Though fine-root turnover declined under elevated [CO2], fine-root mortality was also nearly doubled under CO2 enrichment. Over 9 yr, root mortality resulted in 681 g m,2 of extra C and 9 g m,2 of extra N input to the soil system under elevated [CO2]. At least half of these inputs were below 30 cm soil depth. ,,Increased C and N input to the soil under CO2 enrichment, especially below 30 cm depth, might alter soil C storage and N mineralization. Future research should focus on quantifying root decomposition dynamics and C and N mineralization deeper in the soil. [source]


Structure of Anogeissus leiocarpa Guill., Perr. natural stands in relation to anthropogenic pressure within Wari-Maro Forest Reserve in Benin

AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
Achille Ephrem Assogbadjo
Abstract The present study focused on the analysis of the structure of the Anogeissus leiocarpa dominated natural stands in the Wari-Maro forest reserve which are under high and minimal anthropogenic pressures. These stands were considered for forest inventories after carrying out a random sampling scheme of 40 sample units of 30 m × 50 m. In each level pressure stand, the dbh and tree-height of identified tree-species were measured in each plot. Data analyses were based on the computation of structural parameters, establishment of diameter and height distributions and the floristic composition of the two types of stands. Results obtained showed higher values for the overall basal area (9.78 m2 ha,1), mean height (22.37 m) and mean diameter (36.92 cm) for A. leiocarpa in low-pressure stands. In high-pressure stands, some species like Afzelia africana had lower Importance Value Index and the frequency of A. leiocarpa trees in the successive diameter classes dropped rapidly and the value of the logarithmic slope of the height,diameter relationship was lower (9.77) indicating a lanky shape. Results obtained suggest that effective conservation is needed for A. leiocarpa stands under high pressure by limiting human interference and developing appropriate strategy for restoration purposes. Résumé Cette étude s'est focalisée sur l'analyse de la structure de peuplements naturels à dominance de Anogeissus leiocarpa, dans la forêt classée de Wari-Maro, qui subissent à certains endroits, des pressions anthropiques fortes et à d'autres endroits des pressions anthropiques minimes. Ces peuplements ont été inventoriés en considérant un échantillonnage aléatoire de 40 placeaux de 30 m × 50 m. Pour chaque niveau de pression, on a mesuré dans chaque placeau le diamètre à 1,3 m et la hauteur totale des arbres d'espèces identifiées. L'analyse des données s'est basée sur le calcul des paramètres structuraux, sur l'établissement de la distribution en diamètre et en hauteur et sur la composition floristique des peuplements des deux types de formation. Les résultats obtenus indiquent les plus grandes valeurs pour la surface terrière globale (9,78 m² ha,1), la hauteur moyenne (22,37 m) et le diamètre moyen (36,92 cm) chez A. leiocarpa dans les peuplements soumis à une faible pression. Dans les peuplements subissant une forte pression, certaines espèces comme Afzelia africana avaient les plus faibles Indices d'importance, la fréquence de A. leiocarpa dans les classes de hauteurs successives diminuait rapidement et la valeur de la pente logarithmique de la relation hauteur/diamètre était plus faible (9,77), ce qui indique une forme élancée. Les résultats obtenus suggèrent que les peuplements de A. leiocarpa sous forte pressions anthropiques requièrent une conservation efficace, en limitant les pertubations humaines et en développant une stratégie appropriée en vue de leur restauration. [source]


Effects of selective logging on tree diversity, composition and plant functional type patterns in a Bornean rain forest

JOURNAL OF VEGETATION SCIENCE, Issue 1 2003
René Verburg
Sidiyasa et al. (1999); Anon. (1955,1994) Abstract. The effects of selective logging on tree diversity, changes in tree species composition and plant functional types were studied with the use of seven permanent plots in virgin and in logged forest. All plots were located in a lowland dipterocarp rain forest in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. Just after logging and during the following 20 yr tree diversity measured as Fishers', was not significantly affected in logged forest plots. Temporal shifts in tree species composition were analysed with Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Logged forest plots had much larger changes over time than virgin forest plots. In the smallest diameter class, some logged forest plots showed a distinct trajectory in PCA space compared to virgin forest plots, while in larger diameter classes movement of logged plots in PCA space was random. This suggests that there is no predetermined community to which logged forest plots tend to shift when recovering from logging. We found a significant negative correlation between diameter increments and the species-specific wood densities of tree species. Species-specific wood density and potential tree height were used to assign species to five PFTs. As expected, logging increased the fraction of softwood stems in small diameter classes. In the largest diameter classes (, 50 cm DBH) a strong decrease of softwood emergent stems was found in logged forest plots. After more than 20 yr no recruitment was found of softwood emergent stems in selectively logged forest. [source]