Are wide but selectively logged buffer strips better than narrow ones?

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Boreal forest
• bryophyte
• forest management
• microclimate gradient
• moss
• riparian
• forest harvesting

Acknowledgements

This study is part of the larger research project “Towards more effective and cost-efficient buffer zone harvesting”, funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (a METSO grant to Panu Halme). Further financial support came from Metsämiesten Säätiö and Societas Pro Fauna et Flora Fennica (grants to Amanda Berrigan).

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Funding

This study is part of the larger research project “Towards more effective and cost-efficient buffer zone harvesting”, funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (a METSO grant to Panu Halme). Further financial support came from Metsämiesten Säätiö and Societas Pro Fauna et Flora Fennica (grants to Amanda Berrigan).