Non-native tree plantations are weak substitutes for near-natural forests regarding plant diversity and ecological value

• DOI: 10.1016/j.foreco.2023.120789
• Publication Date: 2023-01-13T18:39:01Z
• Authors: Khanh Vu Ho; György Kröel-Dulay; Csaba Tölgyesi; Zoltán Bátori; Eszter Tanács; Miklós Kertész; Péter Török; László Erdős
• Keywords: Robinia

While near-natural forest stands are dramatically diminishing, monoculture tree plantations rapidly spreading globally, including the eastern part of Central Europe. Tree regarded as simplified and species-poor ecosystems, but their functional phylogenetic diversity ecological value still mostly unknown. In present study, we investigated poplar forests three most common plantation types (native deciduous Populus alba, non-native evergreen Pinus nigra, Robinia pseudoacacia plantations) in Kiskunság Sand Ridge, central Hungary. Our aim was to find out how different species composition studied habitats is, taxonomic, functional, vary among four habitat (i.e., plantations), what is. We found that had significantly compositions. Although each contained some diagnostic species, highest number species. many were native shrubs, weeds herbs Near-natural per plot richness lowest non-natives. Shannon diversity, higher two (Populus Pinus) compared plantations. Based on naturalness indicator values, least degraded degraded. high conservation importance. Overall, proved be much more valuable from an perspective than any plantations; restoration programs should therefore focus this type habitat. Among plantations, alba best substitute option respects, although they harbored a relatively suggest preferred when established. addition, decreasing extent is essential long run if maintain integrity region.