Species diversity of the middle taiga spruce forest exposed to long-term recreation (Petrozavodsk, Karelia)

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Abstract

The plant species diversity was studies in a middle taiga bilberry-type spruce stand (Piceetum myrtillosum), which had formed in a site clear-cut in the early 20th century and has been used for recreation for over 40 years. In this relatively uneven-aged pure spruce stand of the quality class II–III with an average standing stock of 430 m3/ha, growing on a gentle riparian west-facing slope, 200 circular sample plots (R = 8 m) were laid on a 50 × 50 m grid. Within these subplots, trees were counted by state categories, and the species composition and coverage degree of vascular plants and mosses were recorded. The characteristics of epiphytic lichen cover were recorded in 11 sample plots selected to represent different habitat conditions. In total, 140 vascular plant species, 14 moss species, and 57 lichen species were recorded in the study site. We found that upon prolonged recreational use the native component of the flora has retained the main features of mid-boreal bilberry-type spruce forests and still dominates in the ground vegetation structure. The diversity indicators of subordinate vegetation layers (Shannon index, composition, frequency and coverage degree of species) depend on topoecological differentiation and recreational press. The species diversity of the studied plant community can be preserved indefinitely provided the integrity of the spruce stand is maintained and anthropogenic press is regulated.

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About the authors

S. M. Sinkevich

the Karelian Research Centre RAS

Author for correspondence.
Email: sergei.sinkevich@krc.karelia.ru

Forest Research Institute

Russian Federation, Pushkinskaya Str., 11, Petrozavodsk, 185910

V. V. Timofeeva

the Karelian Research Centre RAS

Email: timofeevavera2010@yandex.ru

Forest Research Institute

Russian Federation, Pushkinskaya Str., 11, Petrozavodsk, 185910

V. N. Tarasova

Komarov Botanical Institute of RAS

Email: tarasova1873@gmail.com
Russian Federation, Prof. Popov Str., 2, St. Petersburg, 197022

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2. Fig. 1. Change of frequency of different types of a ground cover in relation to location altitude (A – permanent reduce of frequency, B – permanent increase up to the altitude of 130 m and subsequent sharp reduce).

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3. Fig. 2. Influence of stand height on the index of a species diversity of a ground cover (Shannon's index) in relation to location on slope altitude above sea level (A) and its exposition (B).

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4. Fig. 3. Influence of spruce stand basal area on the index of species diversity of lichens (Shannon's index) growing on spruce trees.

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5. Fig. 4. Influence of remoteness from the river and the level of recreational press on an the index of species diversity of lichens (Shannon's index) growing on spruce trees.

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