Comparison of tree species diversity, deadwood volume and regeneration of managed and old-growth Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.) forests in Eastern Georgia

By

Droessler, Lars
Wolff, Tobias

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2023-11-8

Original Publication

Caucasiana : journal on the biodiversity of the Caucasus and the adjacent regions

Volume

2

Pages

171--176

Subjects

Caucasus , coarse woody debris , forest characteristics , Forest management , old-growth forest , regeneration density

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

[Sofia, Bulgaria] Pensoft 2022-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/caucasiana.2.e106898

 

Abstract

<br> Abstract<br> <br> Main stand characteristics and tree species composition were studied in managed and old-growth Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.) forests in eastern Georgia (Caucasus). Oriental beech dominates both the regeneration layer and the upper story in old-growth forest. In managed forests, Caucasian hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis) and Oriental beech co-dominate the tree layer as well as the regeneration layer. Tree species diversity and deadwood proportion are higher in managed forests than in old-growth forests. However, the absolute deadwood proportion is similar in both studied forest types. Hence, deadwood proportion is not a suitable indicator to assess the naturalness or management intensity of forests in the study area. The observed proportions of Caucasian hornbeam in managed forests raise concerns about the sustainable use of beechwood in the long term. Harvesting hornbeam and smaller removals of beech are recommended to maintain the uneven-aged forest ecosystem, with Oriental beech as the dominant tree species. The established long-term study plots are important to observe and improve future stand development and forest management.