Gewählte Publikation:

Pedro, MS; Rammer, W; Seidl, R.
(2016): A disturbance-induced increase in tree species diversity facilitates forest productivity
LANDSCAPE ECOL. 2016; 31(5): 989-1004. FullText FullText_BOKU

Abstract:

Context Natural disturbances can have a considerable negative impact on the productivity of forest landscapes. Yet, disturbances are also important drivers of diversity, with diversity generally contributing positively to forest productivity. While the direct effects of disturbance have been investigated extensively it remains unclear how disturbance-mediated changes in diversity influence landscape productivity. Considering that disturbances are increasing in many ecosystems a better understanding of disturbance impacts is of growing importance for ecosystem management. Objectives Here, our objectives were to study the effect of disturbance on tree species diversity at different spatial scales (alpha and beta diversity), and to analyze how a disturbance-mediated variation in tree species diversity affects forest productivity. Methods To account for long-term interactions between disturbance, diversity, and productivity and test a range of disturbance scenarios we used simulation modeling, focusing on a temperate forest landscape in Central Europe. Results We found an overall positive effect of disturbance on tree species diversity both with regard to alpha and beta diversity, persisting under elevated disturbance frequencies. Productivity was enhanced by within- and between-stand diversity, with the effect of alpha diversity decreasing and that of beta diversity increasing through the successional development. Positive diversity effects were found to be strongly contingent on the available species pool, with landscapes containing species with different life-history strategies responding most strongly to disturbance-mediated diversity. Conclusions We conclude that, rather than homogenizing disturbed areas, forest managers should incorporate the diversity created by disturbances into stand development to capitalize on a positive diversity effect on productivity.

Autor*innen der BOKU Wien:

Rammer Werner

Seidl Rupert

Find related publications in this database (Keywords)

Alpha diversity

Beta diversity

Forest productivity

Natural disturbances

Forest landscape dynamics

iLand model

Tree species diversity

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