Effects of thinning intensities on litterfall characteristics and decomposition in the natural secondary lowland forests of Southeastern Taiwan

ABSTRACT

Research Highlights: This study presented novel evidence of the optimal level of forest thinning to maintain nutrient cycling and achieve management objectives. Background and Objectives: Litter dynamics play a vital role in balancing forest nutritional dynamics, which may be related to forest productivity. This study aimed to examine the influence of thinning intensity on litter quantity and quality in a secondary forest (a natural tropical secondary forest in southeastern Taiwan). Materials and Methods: Five different thinning treatments were implemented, and forest dynamics were measured. The litterbag method was used to assess the initial status of litter decomposition. Results: The rate of litter accumulation without thinning ranged from 5.14 to 5.63 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹. Thinning altered the litter decomposition rate. A 20% thinning intensity resulted in the fastest litter decomposition, with an annual litter loss of 22.4% compared with the control area. However, at >60% thinning intensity, the rate of litter decomposition slowed down, and the annual loss increased to 42.5%. Conclusions: Thinning changes the litter decomposition rate mainly by influencing soil humidity and temperature. A thinning intensity of 20% in secondary forest thins the forest, improves litter status, accelerates litter decomposition, and promotes nutrient cycling.

KEYWORDS:

• Litterfall decomposition
• litterfall dynamics
• secondary lowland forests
• thinning intensity

Acknowledgements

J. C. and C. C. advised on the data analyses and provided research experience and structure of the project. C. H., Y.T., and C. H. conducted the primary data analysis and wrote the original draft. Y.T. C. H. edited the manuscript. J. C. revised the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).