DOI: 10.1016/j.foreco.2014.01.019
Scopus记录号: 2-s2.0-84893531105
论文题名: Aspen (Populus tremuloides) stand dynamics and understory plant community changes over 46years near Crested Butte, Colorado, USA
作者: Coop J.D. ; Barker K.J. ; Knight A.D. ; Pecharich J.S.
刊名: Forest Ecology and Management
ISSN: 0378-1127
出版年: 2014
卷: 318 起始页码: 1
结束页码: 12
语种: 英语
英文关键词: Aspen decline
; Fire
; Forest understory
; Historic data
; Regeneration
; Rocky Mountains
英文摘要: Aspen stands in the Rocky Mountains form especially productive and diverse plant understory communities. However, little is known about canopy-understory relationships or understory dynamics, especially in light of widespread aspen decline. The purpose of our research was to assess recent aspen plant community dynamics by resampling 19 sites sampled in 1964 and 1994 near Crested Butte, Colorado. In 2010, we replicated previous sampling methods to measure canopy structure and understory composition at each site.In contrast with the conclusions of previous work in the study area, sampled aspen stands did not exhibit long-term stability, nor were they succeeding to conifers. Over the 46-year sample period, live aspen density and basal area both decreased significantly (3151-1605 stemsha-1; 39.2-33.7m2ha-1), with more pronounced decreases over the most recent sampling interval, 1994-2010. These changes appear linked to natural patterns of stand maturation, but may also have been enhanced by recent, drought-triggered mortality, as well as constraints on aspen regeneration imposed by elk and livestock. A striking decrease in the cover and frequency of fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium) was consistent with expectations of aging stands initiated by historic fire, and the expansion of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) indicated strong effects of ungulate herbivory.Recent overstory losses had little effect on understory communities, which were dominated by a suite of large perennial herbs that showed little change over the sampling interval, including Fendler's meadowrue (Thalictrum fendleri), oshá (Ligusticum porteri), elk and dryspike sedge (Carex geyeri and C. siccata), and blue wildrye (Elymus glaucus). Understory community composition was not closely related to current stand conditions or light levels, but was linked with regional elevational and geographic gradients and historic (1994) stand structure. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. Citation statistics:
资源类型: 期刊论文
标识符: http://119.78.100.158/handle/2HF3EXSE/66057
Appears in Collections: 影响、适应和脆弱性
There are no files associated with this item.
作者单位: Department of Natural and Environmental Science, Western State Colorado University, Gunnison, CO 81231, United States
Recommended Citation:
Coop J.D.,Barker K.J.,Knight A.D.,et al. Aspen (Populus tremuloides) stand dynamics and understory plant community changes over 46years near Crested Butte, Colorado, USA[J]. Forest Ecology and Management,2014-01-01,318