Devaney, John L. and Jansen, Marcel A.K. and Whelan, Pádraig M.
(2014)
Spatial patterns of natural regeneration in stands of English yew (Taxus baccata L.); Negative neighbourhood effects.
Forest Ecology and Management, 321.
pp. 52-60.
ISSN 03781127
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms underlying spatial patterns of regeneration of tree species can improve
the effectiveness of forest management and restoration activities. English yew (Taxus baccata L.) stands
have declined across their native range and yew dominated woodlands have priority status under the
EU Habitats Directive. Several conservation and restoration programmes for this species have been established. We investigated population structure and spatial distribution of natural regeneration of yew at six
woodlands in the south and west of Ireland. Specifically, the influence of adult conspecific neighbourhood
density, canopy cover and distance from seed source on regeneration was explored. Within each site, canopy openness, soil and vegetation characteristics were established. Weiner spatial analysis revealed that
the density of conspecific adults was negatively related to the recruitment of yew juveniles. In addition, a
significant negative relationship between presence of conspecific canopy cover and regeneration density
was evident. Although seedlings and saplings were scarce directly beneath conspecifics, regeneration was
highest in nearby areas suggesting that intermediate dispersal distance maximises recruitment probability. Yew regeneration was correlated with a number of habitat characteristics, particularly percentage
cover of woody shrubs. Management operations should focus on regeneration around the edges of populations to conserve existing yew stands
| Item Type: |
Article
|
| Keywords: |
Neighbourhood effects;
Yew Taxus baccata;
Natural regeneration;
Forest management;
Conservation; |
| Academic Unit: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering > Biology |
| Item ID: |
16192 |
| Identification Number: |
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2013.06.060 |
| Depositing User: |
John Devaney
|
| Date Deposited: |
28 Jun 2022 15:43 |
| Journal or Publication Title: |
Forest Ecology and Management |
| Publisher: |
Elsevier |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| URI: |
|
| Use Licence: |
This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available
here |
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