Effects of thinning on canopy structure, forest productivity, and productivity stability in mixed conifer-broadleaf forest: Insights from a LiDAR survey.

Understanding the mechanisms whereby harvesting disturbance influences canopy structural complexity, forest productivity, and the stability of productivity is essential for the effective management and conservation of natural secondary forests. Previous research has established significant positive correlations among biodiversity, forest productivity and stability. Nevertheless, less is known regarding the processes whereby stand and canopy structures influence forest productivity and stability following harvesting disturbance.

Short-term effects of thinning on the understory natural environment of mixed broadleaf-conifer forest in Changbai Mountain area, Northeast China.

Background: The understory natural environment is critical in affecting the succession and recovery process of vegetation, stand structure, and species composition of forest. The thinning intensity could significantly change the forest microclimates and soil properties, therefore, to analyze the effects of thinning intensity on the understory natural environment of forest is of important significance for promoting the ecological benefits of thinning.

Methods: A total of 16 fixed sample plots with different thinning intensities were established in the mixed broadleaf-conifer forest in Jiaohe, situated in Changbai Mountain area, Northeast China, and the forest microclimates and soil properties were investigated after 4 years since the establishment of the sample plots.