Work

Vegetation Species Diversity and Dominance After Large-Scale Clear-Cutting: Case Study from Latvia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Retention forestry is the dominant practice in Northern Europe, with large-scale clear-cuts following natural disturbances becoming more frequent as the climate changes. Despite its widespread use, clear-cutting is criticized for its potential adverse effects on species diversity and ecosystem recovery, particularly in understory vegetation. This study examines early vegetation changes after large-scale clear-cutting in Latvia’s hemiboreal forests. The sampling was conducted in 2017 and 2020, three and six years post-harvest, using 210 systematically placed plots (1 × 1 m) to assess species abundance and vegetation cover across moss/lichen, herbaceous, and shrub/tree layers. The findings indicate that species diversity was initially higher following clear-cutting but declined after six years, with the herbaceous layer most affected. While clear-cutting temporarily increases species diversity, negative effects become evident over time. Recovery is prolonged, with succession progressing faster in wet areas. To fully understand the long-term impacts of clear-cutting, continued monitoring is necessary.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17072849

Authors: Diāna Jansone, Agnese Anta Liepiņa, Didzis Elferts, Āris Jansons

Institution: Latvian State Forest Research Institute "Silava"

Language: English

Topic: Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies

Subfield: Nature and Landscape Conservation

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896