Are wide but selectively logged buffer strips better than narrow ones?
Year of publication
2021
Authors
Berrigan, Amanda; Halme, Panu; Peura, Maiju; Oldén, Anna
Abstract
The microclimate of streamside habitats are protected from the effects of logging with buffer strips of retained trees. However, these buffer strips are often narrow due to their financial loss. Wider, selectively logged buffers might protect the microclimate while providing the same economic return. This study investigates the effects of logging on the microclimate and the growth of the bryophyte Hylocomium splendens on two streamside buffers: a standard unlogged narrow buffer (∼15 m) and a wider buffer (∼30 m) selectively logged with decreasing intensity towards the stream. The study was conducted in Central Finland on eight sites where the two buffers were logged next to each other. The near-stream change in air temperature and relative humidity was measured from pre-logging to post-logging. Additionally, post-logging microclimate gradients and the growth of H. splendens was measured on a 30 m transect away from the stream. The results showed no significant differences in the ability of the two kinds of buffers in maintaining streamside microclimate, and neither buffer seems to protect the microclimate from the negative effects of logging. The growth of H. splendens also decreased in both buffers. We conclude that wider, unlogged buffer strips are required to protect riparian forest microclimate.
Show moreOrganizations and authors
Publication type
Publication format
Article
Parent publication type
Journal
Article type
Original article
Audience
ScientificPeer-reviewed
Peer-ReviewedMINEDU's publication type classification code
A1 Journal article (refereed), original researchPublication channel information
Publisher
Volume
36
Issue
2-3
Pages
177-187
ISSN
Publication forum
Publication forum level
1
Open access
Open access in the publisher’s service
No
Self-archived
No
Other information
Fields of science
Ecology, evolutionary biology; Forestry
Keywords
[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]
Publication country
United Kingdom
Internationality of the publisher
International
Language
English
International co-publication
No
Co-publication with a company
No
DOI
10.1080/02827581.2020.1858957
The publication is included in the Ministry of Education and Culture’s Publication data collection
Yes