Small-scale variation of vegetation in a mixed forest understorey is partly controlled by the effect of overstory composition on litter accumulation

• DOI: 10.1007/s10310-010-0237-2
• Publication Date: 2010-12-08T10:13:10Z
• Authors: J. Rodríguez-Calc...; N. Nanos; M. C. del Rey; U. López de Heredia; R. Escribano; L. Gil
• Keywords: Understory; Basal area

We investigated how richness and composition of vascular plant species in the understory a mixed hardwood forest stand varied with respect to abundance overstory. The is central Spain represents southernmost range distribution several tree herbaceous Europe. Understory were identified 46 quadrats (0.25 m2) where variables litter depth light availability measured. In addition, we estimated density, basal area, percent area by within 6-m-radius areas around each plot. Species studied using path analysis scale-dependent geostatistical methods, respectively. found that relative certain trees overstory was more important than total explaining richness. Richness decreased as soil increased, increased proportion Fagus sylvatica which accounted for negative, indirect effect on Regarding composition, some distributed preferentially below species. For example, Melica uniflora most frequent Quercus petraea while increasing Q. pyrenaica favored presence Cruciata glabra, Arenaria montana, Prunus avium, Conopodium bourgaei, Holcus mollis, Stellaria media Galium aparine understory. Overall, these results emphasize importance individual controlling assemblage stands. conclude accumulation one way through shapes community.