Cited by 86Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics StudiesForest ecology and managementForest Ecology and Biodiversity Studies

Disentangling the effects of compositional and structural diversity on forest productivity

Silva Pedro, Mariana, Rammer, Werner, Seidl, Rupert·2017·Journal of Vegetation Science

Abstract

Abstract Questions Tree species diversity is widely reported to positively influence forest productivity. Yet, a consistent attribution of productivity effects is complicated by the fact that compositional and structural diversity are often related in forest ecosystems. Here, our objective was to disentangle the effects of diversity in species and structures on forest productivity. We further assessed whether the influence of structure and composition on productivity changes over the course of forest development. Location Hainich National Park, central Germany. Methods We conducted a factorial simulation experiment in which 63 unique combinations of six different tree species were studied over 500 yr of forest development. The model used wasiLand, a process‐based simulator operating at individual tree resolution. The indicators of compositional diversity considered included species richness, entropy, evenness and identity, while structural diversity was characterized by indicators describing vertical and horizontal stand structure. Net primary production (NPP) was studied as the response variable, and random forest analysis was used to synthesize simulation output. Results We found positive effects of both compositional and structural diversity on productivity, but their influence changed distinctly over the course of forest development. In early‐seral stages, diversity effects onNPPwere dominated by aspects of tree species composition, and displayed a strong positive selection effect for European beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.). In later stages of forest development, diversity effects onNPPwere dominated by structural diversity, with productivity increasing with increased variation in tree diameter and canopy complexity. Conclusion To better understand the effects of diversity on ecosystem functioning, both the compositional and structural dimensions of diversity in forest ecosystems (and their changes over time) need to be considered. In the context of ecosystem management our results suggest that the reduction in productivity associated with the loss of a canopy tree species (e.g. due to the invasion of an alien pest species) can to some degree be compensated through increased structural diversity. Fostering both compositional and structural diversity are important means to increase the robustness of forest ecosystem functioning.

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Crossref · 10.1111/jvs.12505

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  • Regulating stands into a more complex vertical structure will lead to faster growth and greater C sequestration in forests because multilayered canopies occupy a range of light environments, resulting in high light acquisition and light-use efficiency.

    “Regulating stands into a more complex vertical structure will lead to faster growth and greater C sequestration in forests because multilayered canopies will occupy a range of light environments, resulting in high light acquisition and light-use efficiency.180,181”

    From Technologies and perspectives for achieving carbon neutrality (2021) · cites this paper as [181]

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Authors
Silva Pedro, M., Rammer, W., & Seidl, R.
Affiliations
  • Department of Forest‐ and Soil Sciences Institute of Silviculture University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Peter‐Jordan Straße 82 1190 Vienna Austria
  • BOKU University (AT)
Venue
Journal of Vegetation Science
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2017-02-23
Volume
28
Issue
3
Pages
649-658
ISSN
  • 1100-9233 (ISSN-L)
  • 1654-1103
OpenAlex
W2590154656
Cited by
86
References
56
Citations by year
2026: 13 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 8 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 10 · 2019: 10 · 2018: 7 · 2017: 3
FWCI
6.78
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
Journal of Vegetation Science (publishedVersion)
Funders
European Commission (PCIG12‐GA‐2012‐334104)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Nature and Landscape Conservation › Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Nature and Landscape Conservation › Forest ecology and management
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Insect Science › Forest Ecology and Biodiversity Studies
Keywords
tree species diversity, compositional diversity, structural diversity, forest productivity, net primary productivity, forest development stages, forest structure, species richness, Fagus sylvatica, canopy complexity, ecosystem functioning, Hainich National Park

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