Tree Diversity Drives Forest Stand Resistance to Natural Disturbances (2024)

Abstract

Purpose of review

Forests are frequently exposed to natural disturbances, which are likely to increase with global change, and may jeopardize the delivery of ecosystem services. Mixed-species forests have often been shown to be more productive than monocultures, but it is unclear whether this results from mixed stands being in part more resistant to various biotic and abiotic disturbance factors. This review investigates the relationships between tree diversity and stand resistance to natural disturbances and explores the ecological mechanisms behind the observed relationships.

Recent findings

Mixed forests appear to be more resistant than monocultures to small mammalian herbivores, soil-borne fungal diseases and specialized insect herbivores. Admixing broadleaves to conifers also increases the resistance to fire and windstorms when compared to pure conifer stands. However, mixed forests may be more affected by drought depending on the species in the mixture.

Summary

Overall, our findings suggest that mixed forests are more resistant to natural disturbances that are relatively small-scale and selective in their effect. However, benefits provided by mixtures are less evident for larger-scale disturbances. Higher tree diversity translates into increased resistance to disturbances as a result of ecological trait complementarity among species, reduction of fuel and food resources for herbivores, enhancement of diversion or disruption processes, and multi-trophic interactions such as predation or symbiosis.

To promote resistance, the selection of tree species with different functional characteristics appears more important than increasing only the number of species in the stand. Trees with different levels of susceptibility to different hazards should be intermixed in order to reduce the amount of exposed resources and to generate barriers against contagion.

However, more research is needed to further improve associational resistance in mixed forests, through a better understanding of the most relevant spatial and temporal scales of species interactions and to optimize the overall provision of ecosystem services.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)223-243
Number of pages21
JournalCurrent Forestry Reports
Volume3
Issue number3
Early online date4 Jul 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2017

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Jactel, H., Bauhus, J., Boberg, J., Bonal, D., Castagneyrol, B., Gardiner, B., Gonzalez-Olabarria, J. R., Koricheva, J., Meurisse, N., & Brockerhoff, E. (2017). Tree Diversity Drives Forest Stand Resistance to Natural Disturbances. Current Forestry Reports, 3(3), 223-243. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40725-017-0064-1

Jactel, H. ; Bauhus, J. ; Boberg, J. et al. / Tree Diversity Drives Forest Stand Resistance to Natural Disturbances. In: Current Forestry Reports. 2017 ; Vol. 3, No. 3. pp. 223-243.

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title = "Tree Diversity Drives Forest Stand Resistance to Natural Disturbances",

abstract = "Purpose of reviewForests are frequently exposed to natural disturbances, which are likely to increase with global change, and may jeopardize the delivery of ecosystem services. Mixed-species forests have often been shown to be more productive than monocultures, but it is unclear whether this results from mixed stands being in part more resistant to various biotic and abiotic disturbance factors. This review investigates the relationships between tree diversity and stand resistance to natural disturbances and explores the ecological mechanisms behind the observed relationships.Recent findingsMixed forests appear to be more resistant than monocultures to small mammalian herbivores, soil-borne fungal diseases and specialized insect herbivores. Admixing broadleaves to conifers also increases the resistance to fire and windstorms when compared to pure conifer stands. However, mixed forests may be more affected by drought depending on the species in the mixture.SummaryOverall, our findings suggest that mixed forests are more resistant to natural disturbances that are relatively small-scale and selective in their effect. However, benefits provided by mixtures are less evident for larger-scale disturbances. Higher tree diversity translates into increased resistance to disturbances as a result of ecological trait complementarity among species, reduction of fuel and food resources for herbivores, enhancement of diversion or disruption processes, and multi-trophic interactions such as predation or symbiosis.To promote resistance, the selection of tree species with different functional characteristics appears more important than increasing only the number of species in the stand. Trees with different levels of susceptibility to different hazards should be intermixed in order to reduce the amount of exposed resources and to generate barriers against contagion.However, more research is needed to further improve associational resistance in mixed forests, through a better understanding of the most relevant spatial and temporal scales of species interactions and to optimize the overall provision of ecosystem services.",

author = "H. Jactel and J. Bauhus and J. Boberg and D. Bonal and B. Castagneyrol and B. Gardiner and J.R. Gonzalez-Olabarria and Julia Koricheva and N. Meurisse and E. Brockerhoff",

year = "2017",

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doi = "10.1007/s40725-017-0064-1",

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Jactel, H, Bauhus, J, Boberg, J, Bonal, D, Castagneyrol, B, Gardiner, B, Gonzalez-Olabarria, JR, Koricheva, J, Meurisse, N & Brockerhoff, E 2017, 'Tree Diversity Drives Forest Stand Resistance to Natural Disturbances', Current Forestry Reports, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 223-243. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40725-017-0064-1

Tree Diversity Drives Forest Stand Resistance to Natural Disturbances. / Jactel, H.; Bauhus, J.; Boberg, J. et al.
In: Current Forestry Reports, Vol. 3, No. 3, 09.2017, p. 223-243.

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

TY - JOUR

T1 - Tree Diversity Drives Forest Stand Resistance to Natural Disturbances

AU - Jactel, H.

AU - Bauhus, J.

AU - Boberg, J.

AU - Bonal, D.

AU - Castagneyrol, B.

AU - Gardiner, B.

AU - Gonzalez-Olabarria, J.R.

AU - Koricheva, Julia

AU - Meurisse, N.

AU - Brockerhoff, E.

PY - 2017/9

Y1 - 2017/9

N2 - Purpose of reviewForests are frequently exposed to natural disturbances, which are likely to increase with global change, and may jeopardize the delivery of ecosystem services. Mixed-species forests have often been shown to be more productive than monocultures, but it is unclear whether this results from mixed stands being in part more resistant to various biotic and abiotic disturbance factors. This review investigates the relationships between tree diversity and stand resistance to natural disturbances and explores the ecological mechanisms behind the observed relationships.Recent findingsMixed forests appear to be more resistant than monocultures to small mammalian herbivores, soil-borne fungal diseases and specialized insect herbivores. Admixing broadleaves to conifers also increases the resistance to fire and windstorms when compared to pure conifer stands. However, mixed forests may be more affected by drought depending on the species in the mixture.SummaryOverall, our findings suggest that mixed forests are more resistant to natural disturbances that are relatively small-scale and selective in their effect. However, benefits provided by mixtures are less evident for larger-scale disturbances. Higher tree diversity translates into increased resistance to disturbances as a result of ecological trait complementarity among species, reduction of fuel and food resources for herbivores, enhancement of diversion or disruption processes, and multi-trophic interactions such as predation or symbiosis.To promote resistance, the selection of tree species with different functional characteristics appears more important than increasing only the number of species in the stand. Trees with different levels of susceptibility to different hazards should be intermixed in order to reduce the amount of exposed resources and to generate barriers against contagion.However, more research is needed to further improve associational resistance in mixed forests, through a better understanding of the most relevant spatial and temporal scales of species interactions and to optimize the overall provision of ecosystem services.

AB - Purpose of reviewForests are frequently exposed to natural disturbances, which are likely to increase with global change, and may jeopardize the delivery of ecosystem services. Mixed-species forests have often been shown to be more productive than monocultures, but it is unclear whether this results from mixed stands being in part more resistant to various biotic and abiotic disturbance factors. This review investigates the relationships between tree diversity and stand resistance to natural disturbances and explores the ecological mechanisms behind the observed relationships.Recent findingsMixed forests appear to be more resistant than monocultures to small mammalian herbivores, soil-borne fungal diseases and specialized insect herbivores. Admixing broadleaves to conifers also increases the resistance to fire and windstorms when compared to pure conifer stands. However, mixed forests may be more affected by drought depending on the species in the mixture.SummaryOverall, our findings suggest that mixed forests are more resistant to natural disturbances that are relatively small-scale and selective in their effect. However, benefits provided by mixtures are less evident for larger-scale disturbances. Higher tree diversity translates into increased resistance to disturbances as a result of ecological trait complementarity among species, reduction of fuel and food resources for herbivores, enhancement of diversion or disruption processes, and multi-trophic interactions such as predation or symbiosis.To promote resistance, the selection of tree species with different functional characteristics appears more important than increasing only the number of species in the stand. Trees with different levels of susceptibility to different hazards should be intermixed in order to reduce the amount of exposed resources and to generate barriers against contagion.However, more research is needed to further improve associational resistance in mixed forests, through a better understanding of the most relevant spatial and temporal scales of species interactions and to optimize the overall provision of ecosystem services.

U2 - 10.1007/s40725-017-0064-1

DO - 10.1007/s40725-017-0064-1

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Jactel H, Bauhus J, Boberg J, Bonal D, Castagneyrol B, Gardiner B et al. Tree Diversity Drives Forest Stand Resistance to Natural Disturbances. Current Forestry Reports. 2017 Sept;3(3):223-243. Epub 2017 Jul 4. doi: 10.1007/s40725-017-0064-1

Tree Diversity Drives Forest Stand Resistance to Natural Disturbances (2024)

FAQs

Why is it important to have a diversity of trees in a forest? ›

Tree diversity may lead to fewer resources for herbivores, more predation and symbiosis, and higher compatibility between the traits of species. When a forest is made up of only one, or a few species of trees, it can become vulnerable to environmental changes.

What affects tree diversity? ›

Soil chemical properties such as pH, soil organic carbon (soc) that determine nutrient availability and soil texture including clay and silt content that regulate water availability, are reported as influential drivers of tree diversity and functioning26,27.

How do forest disturbances affect biodiversity? ›

Forest disturbances such as fires, storms, and logging may lead to the loss of tree species, and therefore a reduction in biodiversity. Similarly, changes in soil composition, temperature, and moisture may also impact the survival of different species.

How do you think the presence of trees might impact total biodiversity of an area? ›

Not only do trees offer a habitat to a variety of organisms, but they also create environments conducive to new plant growth. For example, aspen trees are considered keystone species in the Boreal forest because of the habitat they provide to fungi, insects and birds.

Why does forest diversity matter? ›

The greater quantity and variety of healthy, native species that are found in an ecosystem, the better. A flourishing forest provides food, shelter and clean air and water to support a wide range of species.

What is a diversity tree? ›

The biological diversity of trees ('tree biodiversity') is central to resilient and productive forests, agroforestry and other tree-based systems. The Tree Productivity and Diversity research theme (Trees theme) works on the conservation and sustainable use of this biodiversity.

What problems are trees causing for the environment? ›

If planted in the wrong environment, trees can cause an increase in carbon emissions through side effects that may be difficult to anticipate ahead of time. For example, planting trees in grasslands can increase the risk of fire, releasing the carbon stored naturally in that environment's plants and soil.

What are the three factors that can affect species diversity? ›

Several factors contribute to species diversity, including habitat diversity, competition among species, and genetic diversity.

What are some factors that could adversely affect diversity in nature? ›

Let's take a look at some of the main causes:
  • Climate change.
  • Pollution.
  • Destruction of habitats.
  • Invasive alien species.
  • Overexploitation of the natural environment.

What are the natural disturbances in the forest? ›

Natural disturbances such as forest fires, insects and disease outbreaks are a part of the normal life cycle of a healthy forest, stimulating regeneration and growth.

How can natural disturbances positively impact biodiversity? ›

While natural disturbances like fires and floods can pose a risk to human life, in some places these events can help to support a diverse ecosystem. Forest fires, for example, allow species like oak to thrive and support a rich insect population, which in turn feeds many different birds.

What is an example of a forest disturbance? ›

Disturbances can include wildfires, avalanches, landslides, tree falls, construction, and more.

What is the relationship between a tree and a forest? ›

A forest is just a bunch of these family trees, not related to each other, each with its own main ancestor. Trees help organize things in a hierarchy, while forests are used when dealing with multiple separate hierarchies.

How do trees increase biodiversity? ›

Trees and Biodiversity

Trees support wildlife and aquatic life by providing habitat and helping to keep waterways healthy. This ensures that ecosystem balance can be maintained and biodiversity can thrive. Forests rich in biodiversity benefit the human population, too.

What is the most significant factor affecting environments and biodiversity? ›

Historically, habitat and land use change have had the biggest impact on biodiversity in all ecosystems, but climate change and pollution are projected to increasingly affect all aspects of biodiversity.

Why is it important to have different trees? ›

Forests are naturally diverse, and this diversity of plant species brings an array of benefits: pest and disease resistance, resilience to climate change and increased wildlife habitat.

Why is diversity important in a rainforest? ›

Recent studies have also shown that fungi and plants in the Amazon actually contribute to creating more rainfall via a nighttime release of certain salts into the air. Meaning, the diversity of organisms that benefit from rainfall are actually causing more rainfall.

What are the benefits of biodiversity in the forest? ›

Biodiverse forests store more carbon, more reliably.

Native, biodiverse forests in watersheds are also more effective than planted monocultures at supplying water resources to downstream cities because of their structure, impact on soils and greater resilience.

Is diversity valuable in a forest? ›

Diversity is essential to healthy ecosystems. Forests made up of a variety of tree species are more productive, as they make more efficient use of resources.

References

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