Intensive ground vegetation growth mitigates the carbon loss after forest disturbance.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Slow or failed tree regeneration after forest disturbance is increasingly observed in the central European Alps, potentially amplifying the carbon (C) loss from disturbance. We aimed at quantifying C dynamics of a poorly regenerating disturbance site with a special focus on the role of non-woody ground vegetation.

Methods

Soil CO₂ efflux, fine root biomass, ground vegetation biomass, tree increment and litter input were assessed in (i) an undisturbed section of a ~ 110 years old Norway spruce stand, (ii) in a disturbed section which was clear-cut six years ago (no tree regeneration), and (iii) in a disturbed section which was clear-cut three years ago (no tree regeneration).

Results

Total soil CO₂ efflux was similar across all stand sections

SUBMITTER: Zehetgruber B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5711974 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature