Differential effects of understory and overstory gaps on tree regeneration

Brian Beckage; Brian D. Kloppel; J. Alan Yenkley; Sharon F. Taylor; David C. Coleman

doi:10.3159/07-ra-034.1

Treesearch

Differential effects of understory and overstory gaps on tree regeneration

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Brian Beckage, Brian D. Kloppel, J. Alan Yenkley, Sharon F. Taylor, David C. Coleman

Year:

2008

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Southern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3159/07-ra-034.1

Source:

Journal of The Torrey Botanical Society Volume 135: pp. 1-11

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Download (PDF 1.71 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/31587.pdf

Abstract

Gaps in the forest canopy can increase the diversity of tree regeneration. Understory shrubs also compete with tree seedlings for limited resources and may depress tree recruitment We compared effects of shrub removal and canopy windthrow gups on seedling recruitment and understory resource levels. Shrub removal, with the canopy left intact, was associated with increased levels of understory light and soil moisture and coincided with increased species richness and diversity of tree regeneration compared 10 both control plots and canopy gaps.

Keywords

canopy gaps, Rhododendron, shrubs, species richness, tree seedling, understory gaps

Citation

Beckage, Brian; Kloeppel, Brian D.; Yenkley, J. Alan; Taylor, Sharon F.; Coleman, David C. 2008. Differential effects of understory and overstory gaps on tree regeneration. Journal of The Torrey Botanical Society Volume 135: pp. 1-11