Vegetation Species Diversity and Dominance After Large-Scale Clear-Cutting: Case Study from Latvia

Diāna Jansone (), Agnese Anta Liepiņa, Didzis Elferts and Āris Jansons
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Diāna Jansone: Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”, Rigas Street 111, LV-2169 Salaspils, Latvia
Agnese Anta Liepiņa: Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”, Rigas Street 111, LV-2169 Salaspils, Latvia
Didzis Elferts: Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”, Rigas Street 111, LV-2169 Salaspils, Latvia
Āris Jansons: Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”, Rigas Street 111, LV-2169 Salaspils, Latvia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-10

Abstract: Retention forestry is the dominant practice in Northern Europe, with large-scale clear-cuts following natural disturbances becoming more frequent as the climate changes. Despite its widespread use, clear-cutting is criticized for its potential adverse effects on species diversity and ecosystem recovery, particularly in understory vegetation. This study examines early vegetation changes after large-scale clear-cutting in Latvia’s hemiboreal forests. The sampling was conducted in 2017 and 2020, three and six years post-harvest, using 210 systematically placed plots (1 × 1 m) to assess species abundance and vegetation cover across moss/lichen, herbaceous, and shrub/tree layers. The findings indicate that species diversity was initially higher following clear-cutting but declined after six years, with the herbaceous layer most affected. While clear-cutting temporarily increases species diversity, negative effects become evident over time. Recovery is prolonged, with succession progressing faster in wet areas. To fully understand the long-term impacts of clear-cutting, continued monitoring is necessary.

Keywords: anthropogenic disturbance; clear-cut; vegetation changes; ecosystem resilience; hemiboreal forests (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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