A matter of size and shape: Microclimatic changes induced by experimental gap openings in a sessile oak–hornbeam forest

• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162302
• Publication Date: 2023-02-22T02:33:20Z
• Authors: Csenge Veronika H...; Bence Kovács; Flóra Tinya; Julia Schadeck Lo...; Csaba Németh; Lorenzo Crecco; Gábor Illés; Péter Csépányi; Péter Ódor
• Keywords: Microclimate; Hornbeam

Forest management integrating nature conservation aspects into timber production focuses increasingly on small-scale interventions. However, the ecological consequences of gap cuttings remain ambiguous in oak-dominated forests. In Pilis Gap Experiment, we analyze how combinations different shapes (circular and elongated), sizes (150 m2 300 m2) affect microclimate biota a mature sessile oak-hornbeam forest Hungary. We first report changes direct diffuse light, soil moisture, daily air temperatures, relative humidity experimental vegetation season directly following their implementation. Diffuse light had central maximum concentric pattern. Direct was distributed along north-south gradient, with maxima northern parts. Soil moisture determined by shape: it increased significantly center circular gaps, multiple local southern-central parts large gaps. Its pattern negatively related to larger spatial variability present than elongated The mean temperatures at 1.3 m all, especially ground-level remained largely unchanged, reflecting conditions affecting evaporative cooling. Relative unaltered. Even though opening gaps changed microclimatic immediately, effect moderate. size shape were both important determinants responses: markedly affected irradiation increase, surplus, while depended components design. conclude that 150-300 sized management-created can essentially maintain theoretically providing enough for oak regeneration; manipulation within this range are effective tools adaptive management.