Intensive ground vegetation growth mitigates the carbon loss after forest disturbance

Berlin

2017

239–252

BandaufführungSonderdruck

12239S

202762

Aims: Slow or failed tree regeneration after forest disturbance is increasingly observed in the central European Alps, potentially amplifying the carbon (C) loss from disturbance. We aimed at quantifying C dynamics of a poorly regenerating disturbance site with a special focus on the role of non-woody ground vegetation. Methods: Soil CO2 efflux, fine root biomass, ground vegetation biomass, tree increment and litter input were assessed in (i) an undisturbed section of a ~ 110 years old Norway spruce stand, (ii) in a disturbed section which was clear-cut six years ago (no tree regeneration), and (iii) in a disturbed section which was clear-cut three years ago (no tree regeneration).Keywords Disturbance . Clear-cut . Fine roots . Forest C cycling . Ground vegetation . SoilCO2 efflux