@article{2-s2.0-85180207353,

title = {Evaluating plant lineage losses and gains in temperate forest understories: a phylogenetic perspective on climate change and nitrogen deposition},

author = { J. Padullés Cubino and J. Lenoir and D. Li and F.A. Montaño-Centellas and J.R. Retana and L. Baeten and M. Bernhardt-Römermann and M. Chudomelová and D. Closset and G. Decocq and P. De Frenne and M. Diekmann and T. Dirnböck and T. Durak and R. Hédl and T. Heinken and B. Jaroszewicz and M. Kopecký and M. Macek and F. Máliš and T. Naaf and A. Orczewska and P. Petřík and R. Pielech and K. Reczyńska and W. Schmidt and T. Standovár and K. Świerkosz and B. Teleki and K. Verheyen and O. Vild and D.M. Waller and M. Wulf and M. Chytrý},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85180207353&doi=10.1111%2fnph.19477&partnerID=40&md5=697fb1f1ddfa6265ad826fe13d09ec78},

doi = {10.1111/nph.19477},

issn = {0028646X},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-01-01},

journal = {New Phytologist},

volume = {241},

number = {5},

pages = {2287-2299},

publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Inc},

abstract = {Global change has accelerated local species extinctions and colonizations, often resulting in losses and gains of evolutionary lineages with unique features. Do these losses and gains occur randomly across the phylogeny? We quantified: temporal changes in plant phylogenetic diversity (PD); and the phylogenetic relatedness (PR) of lost and gained species in 2672 semi-permanent vegetation plots in European temperate forest understories resurveyed over an average period of 40 yr. Controlling for differences in species richness, PD increased slightly over time and across plots. Moreover, lost species within plots exhibited a higher degree of PR than gained species. This implies that gained species originated from a more diverse set of evolutionary lineages than lost species. Certain lineages also lost and gained more species than expected by chance, with Ericaceae, Fabaceae, and Orchidaceae experiencing losses and Amaranthaceae, Cyperaceae, and Rosaceae showing gains. Species losses and gains displayed no significant phylogenetic signal in response to changes in macroclimatic conditions and nitrogen deposition. As anthropogenic global change intensifies, temperate forest understories experience losses and gains in specific phylogenetic branches and ecological strategies, while the overall mean PD remains relatively stable. © 2023 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2023 New Phytologist Foundation.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85177431741,

title = {Trait–micro-environment relationships of forest herb communities across Europe},

author = { S. Govaert and C. Meeussen and T. Vanneste and K. Bollmann and J. Brunet and K. Calders and S.A.O. Cousins and K. De Pauw and M. Diekmann and B.J. Graae and P.O. Hedwall and G. Iacopetti and J. Lenoir and S. Lindmo and A. Orczewska and Q. Ponette and J. Plue and P. Sanczuk and F. Selvi and F. Spicher and K. Verheyen and P. Vangansbeke and P. De Frenne},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85177431741&doi=10.1111%2fgeb.13789&partnerID=40&md5=11b7c08fad8511195c2044a524a9ed73},

doi = {10.1111/geb.13789},

issn = {1466822X},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-01-01},

journal = {Global Ecology and Biogeography},

volume = {33},

number = {2},

pages = {286-302},

publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Inc},

abstract = {Aim: The microclimate and light conditions on the forest floor are strongly modified by tree canopies. Therefore, we need to better consider the micro-environment when quantifying trait–environment relationships for forest understorey plants. Here, we quantify relationships between micro-environmental conditions and plant functional traits at the community level, including intraspecific trait variation, and their relationship with microclimate air temperature, light and soil properties. Location: Deciduous temperate forests across Europe. Time period: 2018. Major taxa studied: Herbaceous vegetation. Methods: We sampled 225 plots across 15 regions along four complementary gradients capturing both macro- and microclimatic conditions including latitude, elevation, forest management and distance to forest edges. We related the community-weighted mean of five plant functional traits (plant height; specific leaf area [SLA]; plant carbon [C]; plant nitrogen [N] and plant C:N ratio) across 150 vascular plant species to variation in local microclimate air temperature, light and soil properties. We tested the effect of accounting for intraspecific variation in trait–environment relationships and performed variation partitioning to identify major drivers of trait variation. Results: Microclimate temperature, light availability and soil properties were all important predictors of community-weighted mean functional traits. When light availability and variation in temperature were higher, the herb community often consisted of taller plants with a higher C:N ratio. In more productive environments (e.g. with high soil nitrogen availability), the community was dominated by individuals with resource-acquisitive traits: high SLA and N but low C:N. Including intraspecific trait variation increased the strength of the trait–micro-environment relationship, and increased the importance of light availability. Main conclusions: The trait–environment relationships were much stronger when the micro-environment and intraspecific trait variation were considered. By locally steering light availability and temperature, forest managers can potentially impact the functional signature of the forest herb-layer community. © 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.},

note = {1},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85186231347,

title = {Trade-offs in biodiversity and ecosystem services between edges and interiors in European forests},

author = { T. Vanneste and L. Depauw and E. de Lombaerde and C. Meeussen and S. Govaert and K. De Pauw and P. Sanczuk and K. Bollmann and J. Brunet and K. Calders and S.A.O. Cousins and M. Diekmann and C. Gasperini and B.J. Graae and P.O. Hedwall and G. Iacopetti and J. Lenoir and S. Lindmo and A. Orczewska and Q. Ponette and J. Plue and F. Selvi and F. Spicher and H. Verbeeck and F. Zellweger and K. Verheyen and P. Vangansbeke and P. De Frenne},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85186231347&doi=10.1038%2fs41559-024-02335-6&partnerID=40&md5=0179506b6877b7f477f3b477e1aeba76},

doi = {10.1038/s41559-024-02335-6},

issn = {2397334X},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-01-01},

journal = {Nature Ecology and Evolution},

publisher = {Nature Research},

abstract = {Forest biodiversity and ecosystem services are hitherto predominantly quantified in forest interiors, well away from edges. However, these edges also represent a substantial proportion of the global forest cover. Here we quantified plant biodiversity and ecosystem service indicators in 225 plots along forest edge-to-interior transects across Europe. We found strong trade-offs: phylogenetic diversity (evolutionary measure of biodiversity), proportion of forest specialists, decomposition and heatwave buffering increased towards the interior, whereas species richness, nectar production potential, stemwood biomass and tree regeneration decreased. These trade-offs were mainly driven by edge-to-interior structural differences. As fragmentation continues, recognizing the role of forest edges is crucial for integrating biodiversity and ecosystem service considerations into sustainable forest management and policy. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited 2024.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85185972036,

title = {Nutrient-demanding and thermophilous plants dominate urban forest-edge vegetation across temperate Europe},

author = { K. De Pauw and L. Depauw and K. Calders and S.A.O. Cousins and G. Decocq and E. de Lombaerde and M. Diekmann and D.J. Frey and J. Lenoir and C. Meeussen and A. Orczewska and J. Plue and F. Spicher and F. Zellweger and P. Vangansbeke and K. Verheyen and P. De Frenne},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85185972036&doi=10.1111%2fjvs.13236&partnerID=40&md5=5482be6de043347b72fda97155349a17},

doi = {10.1111/jvs.13236},

issn = {11009233},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Vegetation Science},

volume = {35},

number = {1},

publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Inc},

abstract = {Questions: Forests are highly fragmented across the globe. For urban forests in particular, fragmentation increases the exposure to local warming caused by the urban heat island (UHI) effect. We here aim to quantify edge effects on herbaceous understorey vegetation in urban forests, and test whether these effects interact with forest structural complexity. Location: We set up a pan-European study at the continental scale including six urban forests in Zurich, Paris, Katowice, Brussels, Bremen, and Stockholm. Methods: We recorded understorey plant communities from the edge towards the interior of urban forests. Within each urban forest, we studied edge-to-interior gradients in paired stands with differing forest structural complexity. Community composition was analysed based on species specialism, life form, light, nutrient, acidity and disturbance indicator values and species' thermal niches. Results: We found that herbaceous communities at urban forest edges supported more generalists and forbs but fewer ferns than in forests' interiors. A buffered summer microclimate proved crucial for the presence of fern species. The edge communities contained more thermophilous, disturbance-tolerant, nutrient-demanding and basiphilous plant species, a pattern strongly confirmed by corresponding edge-to-interior gradients in microclimate, soil and light conditions in the understorey. Additionally, plots with a lower canopy cover and higher light availability supported higher numbers of both generalists and forest specialists. Even though no significant interactions were found between the edge distance and forest structural complexity, opposing additive effects indicated that a dense canopy can be used to buffer negative edge effects. Conclusion: The urban environment poses a multifaceted filter on understorey plant communities which contributes to significant differences in community composition between urban forest edges and interiors. For urban biodiversity conservation and the buffering of edge effects, it will be key to maintain dense canopies near urban forest edges. © 2024 International Association for Vegetation Science.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85185333966,

title = {Taking sides? Aspect has limited influence on soil environment or litter decomposition in pan-European study of roadside verges},

author = { A. Amstutz and L.B. Firth and J.I. Spicer and P. De Frenne and L. Gómez-Aparicio and B.J. Graae and S. Kuś and S. Lindmo and A. Orczewska and F. Rodríguez-Sánchez and P. Vangansbeke and T. Vanneste and M.E. Hanley},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85185333966&doi=10.1016%2fj.pedobi.2023.150927&partnerID=40&md5=36f80a09f9b239c635d5649f2e4aaaf4},

doi = {10.1016/j.pedobi.2023.150927},

issn = {00314056},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-01-01},

journal = {Pedobiologia},

volume = {102},

publisher = {Elsevier GmbH},

abstract = {In addition to well-known effects on species ecophysiology, phenology, and distributions, climate change is widely predicted to impact essential ecosystem services such as decomposition and nutrient cycling. While temperature and soil moisture are thought to influence litter decomposition, elucidating consistent soil process responses to observed or predicted shifts in climate have proven difficult to evidence. Here we investigated how aspect (i.e.; north-south orientation), a natural model for variation in soil temperature, influenced soil physico-chemical conditions and decomposition of two standardised litter types (Green tea and Rooibos teabags) in Pole-facing (PF) and Equator-facing (EF) roadside verges spanning a 3000 km and 27° latitudinal gradient across Europe. Despite average daily temperatures being 1.5 - 3.0 °C warmer on EF than PF slopes, there were only minor region-specific differences in initial soil physico-chemical conditions and short-term variation in litter decomposition (i.e.; litter mass loss was higher in EF-verges for the first month of deployment only) associated with aspect. We conclude that previously observed differences in soil environments and the decomposition process associated with slope orientation, is largely litter or environment specific, although medium-term soil-decomposition in semi-natural grassland ecosystems may also be insensitive to the magnitude of temperature variation within the range predicted by the IPCC SSP1–2.6 emissions scenario. Nonetheless, consistent average and extreme temperature differences between adjacent PF- and EF-aspects along roadside verges provides a model system to explore exactly how resilient the soil environment and the micro-organisms responsible for decomposition, are to temperature variation. © 2024 The Authors},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85177803006,

title = {Using warming tolerances to predict understory plant responses to climate change},

author = { Li. Wei and P. Sanczuk and K. De Pauw and M.M. Carón and F. Selvi and P.O. Hedwall and J. Brunet and S.A.O. Cousins and J. Plue and F. Spicher and C. Gasperini and G. Iacopetti and A. Orczewska and J. Uria-Diez and J. Lenoir and P. Vangansbeke and P. De Frenne},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85177803006&doi=10.1111%2fgcb.17064&partnerID=40&md5=8bc13a047e5ff5596cf882a32558e12f},

doi = {10.1111/gcb.17064},

issn = {13541013},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-01-01},

journal = {Global Change Biology},

volume = {30},

number = {1},

publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Inc},

abstract = {Climate change is pushing species towards and potentially beyond their critical thermal limits. The extent to which species can cope with temperatures exceeding their critical thermal limits is still uncertain. To better assess species' responses to warming, we compute the warming tolerance (ΔTniche) as a thermal vulnerability index, using species' upper thermal limits (the temperature at the warm limit of their distribution range) minus the local habitat temperature actually experienced at a given location. This metric is useful to predict how much more warming species can tolerate before negative impacts are expected to occur. Here we set up a cross-continental transplant experiment involving five regions distributed along a latitudinal gradient across Europe (43° N–61° N). Transplant sites were located in dense and open forests stands, and at forest edges and in interiors. We estimated the warming tolerance for 12 understory plant species common in European temperate forests. During 3 years, we examined the effects of the warming tolerance of each species across all transplanted locations on local plant performance, in terms of survival, height, ground cover, flowering probabilities and flower number. We found that the warming tolerance (ΔTniche) of the 12 studied understory species was significantly different across Europe and varied by up to 8°C. In general, ΔTniche were smaller (less positive) towards the forest edge and in open stands. Plant performance (growth and reproduction) increased with increasing ΔTniche across all 12 species. Our study demonstrated that ΔTniche of understory plant species varied with macroclimatic differences among regions across Europe, as well as in response to forest microclimates, albeit to a lesser extent. Our findings support the hypothesis that plant performance across species decreases in terms of growth and reproduction as local temperature conditions reach or exceed the warm limit of the focal species. © 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85168828340,

title = {Urban forest microclimates across temperate Europe are shaped by deep edge effects and forest structure},

author = { K. De Pauw and L. Depauw and K. Calders and S. Caluwaerts and S.A.O. Cousins and E. de Lombaerde and M. Diekmann and D.J. Frey and J. Lenoir and C. Meeussen and A. Orczewska and J. Plue and F. Spicher and F. Zellweger and P. Vangansbeke and K. Verheyen and P. De Frenne},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85168828340&doi=10.1016%2fj.agrformet.2023.109632&partnerID=40&md5=a746fa3b682dde8c1a558b144a21caa5},

doi = {10.1016/j.agrformet.2023.109632},

issn = {01681923},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-01-01},

journal = {Agricultural and Forest Meteorology},

volume = {341},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {The urban heat island (UHI) causes strong warming of cities and their urban forests worldwide. Especially urban forest edges are strongly exposed to the UHI effect, which could impact urban forest biodiversity and functioning. However, it is not known to what extent the UHI effect alters edge-to-interior microclimatic gradients within urban forests and whether this depends on the forests’ structure. Here we quantified gradients of air temperature, relative air humidity and vapour pressure deficits (VPD) along urban forest edge-to-interior transects with contrasting stand structures in six major cities across Europe. We performed continuous hourly microclimate measurements for two consecutive years and analysed the magnitude and depth of edge effects, as well as forest structural drivers of microclimatic variation. Compared to edge studies in rural temperate forests, we found that edge effects reached deeper into urban forests, at least up to 50 m. Throughout the year, urban forest edges were warmer and drier compared to forest interiors, with the largest differences occurring during summer and daytime. Not only maximum, but also mean and minimum temperatures were higher at the urban forest edge up to large edge distances (at least 85 m). Denser forests with a higher plant area index buffered high air temperatures and VPDs from spring to autumn. We conclude that urban forest edges are unique ecotones with specific microclimates shaped by the UHI effect. Both forest edges and interiors showed increased buffering capacities with higher forest canopy density. We advocate for the conservation and expansion of urban forests which can buffer increasingly frequent and intense climate extremes. To this end, urban forest managers are encouraged to aim for multi-layered dense forest canopies and consider edge buffer zones of at least 50 m wide. © 2023},

note = {1},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85180891565,

title = {The urban heat island accelerates litter decomposition through microclimatic warming in temperate urban forests},

author = { K. De Pauw and L. Depauw and S.A.O. Cousins and E. de Lombaerde and M. Diekmann and D.J. Frey and K. Kwietniowska and J. Lenoir and C. Meeussen and A. Orczewska and J. Plue and F. Spicher and T. Vanneste and F. Zellweger and K. Verheyen and P. Vangansbeke and P. De Frenne},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85180891565&doi=10.1007%2fs11252-023-01486-x&partnerID=40&md5=63ad6ea0392dc9891b4df453307ef9d2},

doi = {10.1007/s11252-023-01486-x},

issn = {10838155},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-01-01},

journal = {Urban Ecosystems},

publisher = {Springer},

abstract = {Forests worldwide are experiencing fragmentation, with especially important consequences for ecosystems bordering urbanized areas. Urban forests are exposed to local warming due to the urban heat island which affects their biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. A key ecosystem function affecting carbon and nutrient cycling in forests is litter decomposition, a process driven by the local microclimate. Thus, our aim was to clarify the impact of the urban heat island on litter decomposition in urban forests. We studied soil microclimate and litter decomposition in six urban forests across Europe and along local gradients from the urban forest edge to the interior. To quantify decomposition independent from local forest composition and litter quality, we used standardized green tea and rooibos tea litterbags. We determined the role of the soil microclimate and other environmental drivers for litter decomposition. Secondly, we assessed effects of edge proximity and landscape context on the soil microclimate. Soil characteristics were only driving green tea and not rooibos tea decomposition. On the contrary, higher soil temperatures resulted in faster rates of litter decomposition for both green and rooibos tea and were related to the proximity to the forest edge and the proportion of built-up area in the landscape. Via structural equation modelling we detected cascading effects of the urban heat island on litter decomposition. Such changes in litter decomposition have the potential to alter the soil food web, nutrient cycling and carbon drawdown in urban forests, and could result in significant interactions between urbanisation and ongoing climate change. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85144523103,

title = {Divergent roles of herbivory in eutrophying forests},

author = { J. Segar and H.M. Pereira and L. Baeten and M. Bernhardt-Römermann and P. De Frenne and N. Fernández and F.S. Gilliam and J. Lenoir and A. Ortmann-Ajkai and K. Verheyen and D.M. Waller and B. Teleki and J. Brunet and M. Chudomelová and G. Decocq and T. Dirnböck and R. Hédl and T. Heinken and B. Jaroszewicz and M. Kopecký and M. Macek and F. Máliš and T. Naaf and A. Orczewska and K. Reczyńska and W. Schmidt and J. Šebesta and A. Stachurska-Swakoń and T. Standovár and K. Świerkosz and O. Vild and M. Wulf and I.R. Staude},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85144523103&doi=10.1038%2fs41467-022-35282-6&partnerID=40&md5=924d9698649daac11bc1e267214e2027},

doi = {10.1038/s41467-022-35282-6},

issn = {20411723},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Nature Communications},

volume = {13},

number = {1},

publisher = {Nature Research},

abstract = {Ungulate populations are increasing across Europe with important implications for forest plant communities. Concurrently, atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition continues to eutrophicate forests, threatening many rare, often more nutrient-efficient, plant species. These pressures may critically interact to shape biodiversity as in grassland and tundra systems, yet any potential interactions in forests remain poorly understood. Here, we combined vegetation resurveys from 52 sites across 13 European countries to test how changes in ungulate herbivory and eutrophication drive long-term changes in forest understorey communities. Increases in herbivory were associated with elevated temporal species turnover, however, identities of winner and loser species depended on N levels. Under low levels of N-deposition, herbivory favored threatened and small-ranged species while reducing the proportion of non-native and nutrient-demanding species. Yet all these trends were reversed under high levels of N-deposition. Herbivores also reduced shrub cover, likely exacerbating N effects by increasing light levels in the understorey. Eutrophication levels may therefore determine whether herbivory acts as a catalyst for the “N time bomb” or as a conservation tool in temperate forests. © 2022, The Author(s).},

note = {2},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85133419776,

title = {Forest density and edge effects on soil microbial communities in deciduous forests across Europe},

author = { J. Yang and H. Blondeel and C. Meeussen and S. Govaert and P. Vangansbeke and P. Boeckx and J. Lenoir and A. Orczewska and Q. Ponette and P.O. Hedwall and G. Iacopetti and J. Brunet and P. De Frenne and K. Verheyen},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85133419776&doi=10.1016%2fj.apsoil.2022.104586&partnerID=40&md5=f1de0caee29a4dc20db9ddc1d19b50df},

doi = {10.1016/j.apsoil.2022.104586},

issn = {09291393},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Applied Soil Ecology},

volume = {179},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Forest fragmentation increases the proportion of edge area and this, in turn, induces changes in forest structure, species composition and microclimate. These factors are also strongly determined by the forest management regime. Although the interactive effects of edges and density on forest plant communities have been extensively studied, little is known about the response of the belowground communities. Here we investigated the variation of soil microbiota in 45 deciduous broadleaved forests along a latitudinal gradient from Italy to Norway at a continental scale across Europe. Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) and neutral lipid fatty acid (NLFA) were used to map the microbial community in the forest edge and interior across three forest densities (dense; intermediate; open forest). Microbial community composition was only affected by forest edge effects and not by forest density. We did not find any interaction effects between forest density and distance-to-edge. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were significantly more abundant in edges and Gram-negative bacteria more abundant in interiors, respectively. The microbial community composition was closely related to soil pH, soil potassium and nitrogen, texture (percent sand) and soil temperature. Soil pH was positively correlated with the saprotrophic fungi and potassium was positively correlated with Gram-negative bacteria but negatively correlated with Actinobacteria. In sum, we reveal the notable effects of forest edges on the soil AMF abundance. This result indicated that AMF could possess a stronger affinity with species growing in the edges, which may help to improve plant performance under hostile conditions herein. © 2022},

note = {1},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85134191115,

title = {Soil seed bank responses to edge effects in temperate European forests},

author = { C. Gasperini and K. Bollmann and J. Brunet and S.A.O. Cousins and G. Decocq and K. De Pauw and M. Diekmann and S. Govaert and B.J. Graae and P.O. Hedwall and G. Iacopetti and J. Lenoir and S. Lindmo and C. Meeussen and A. Orczewska and Q. Ponette and J. Plue and P. Sanczuk and F. Spicher and T. Vanneste and P. Vangansbeke and F. Zellweger and F. Selvi and P. De Frenne},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85134191115&doi=10.1111%2fgeb.13568&partnerID=40&md5=442cbfa44bd3c52890147394e8b4752a},

doi = {10.1111/geb.13568},

issn = {1466822X},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Global Ecology and Biogeography},

volume = {31},

number = {9},

pages = {1877-1893},

publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Inc},

abstract = {Aim: The amount of forest edges is increasing globally due to forest fragmentation and land-use changes. However, edge effects on the soil seed bank of temperate forests are still poorly understood. Here, we assessed edge effects at contrasting spatial scales across Europe and quantified the extent to which edges can preserve the seeds of forest specialist plants. Location: Temperate European deciduous forests along a 2,300-km latitudinal gradient. Time period: 2018–2021. Major taxa studied: Vascular plants. Methods: Through a greenhouse germination experiment, we studied how edge effects alter the density, diversity, composition and functionality of forest soil seed banks in 90 plots along different latitudes, elevations and forest management types. We also assessed which environmental conditions drive the seed bank responses at the forest edge versus interior and looked at the relationship between the seed bank and the herb layer species richness. Results: Overall, 10,108 seedlings of 250 species emerged from the soil seed bank. Seed density and species richness of generalists (species not only associated with forests) were higher at edges compared to interiors, with a negative influence of C : N ratio and litter quality. Conversely, forest specialist species richness did not decline from the interior to the edge. Also, edges were compositionally, but not functionally, different from interiors. The correlation between the seed bank and the herb layer species richness was positive and affected by microclimate. Main conclusions: Our results underpin how edge effects shape species diversity and composition of soil seed banks in ancient forests, especially increasing the proportion of generalist species and thus potentially favouring a shift in community composition. However, the presence of many forest specialists suggests that soil seed banks still play a key role in understorey species persistence and could support the resilience of our fragmented forests. © 2022 The Authors. Global Ecology and Biogeography published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.},

note = {1},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85133024405,

title = {The European Forest Plant Species List (EuForPlant): Concept and applications},

author = { T. Heinken and M. Diekmann and J. Liira and A. Orczewska and M. Schmidt and J. Brunet and M. Chytrý and O. Chabrerie and G. Decocq and P. De Frenne and P. Dřevojan and Z. Dzwonko and J. Ewald and J. Feilberg and B.J. Graae and J.A. Grytnes and M. Hermy and W.U. Kriebitzsch and M. Laivins and J. Lenoir and S. Lindmo and D. Marage and V. Marozas and T. Niemeyer and J. Paal and P. Pyšek and E. Roosaluste and J. Sádlo and J.H.J. Schaminée and T. Tyler and K. Verheyen and M. Wulf and T. Vanneste},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85133024405&doi=10.1111%2fjvs.13132&partnerID=40&md5=d95562f9a80cba445d990f68c2834c69},

doi = {10.1111/jvs.13132},

issn = {11009233},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Vegetation Science},

volume = {33},

number = {3},

publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Inc},

abstract = {Question: When evaluating forests in terms of their biodiversity, distinctiveness and naturalness, the affinity of the constituent species to forests is a crucial parameter. Here we ask to what extent are vascular plant species associated with forests, and does species’ affinity to forests vary between European regions?. Location: Temperate and boreal forest biome of Northwestern and Central Europe. Methods: We compiled EuForPlant, a new extensive list of forest vascular plant species in 24 regions spread across 13 European countries using vegetation databases and expert knowledge. Species were region-specifically classified into four categories reflecting the degree of their affinity to forest habitats: 1.1, species of forest interiors; 1.2, species of forest edges and forest openings; 2.1, species that can be found in forest as well as open vegetation; and 2.2, species that can be found partly in forest, but mainly in open vegetation. An additional “O” category was distinguished, covering species typical for non-forest vegetation. Results: EuForPlant comprises 1,726 species, including 1,437 herb-layer species, 159 shrubs, 107 trees, 19 lianas and 4 epiphytic parasites. Across regions, generalist forest species (with 450 and 777 species classified as 2.1 and 2.2; respectively) significantly outnumbered specialist forest species (with 250 and 137 species classified as 1.1 and 1.2; respectively). Even though the degree of shifting between the categories of forest affinity among regions was relatively low (on average; 17.5%), about one-third of the forest species (especially 1.2 and 2.2) swapped categories in at least one of the study regions. Conclusions: The proposed list can be used widely in vegetation science and global change ecology related to forest biodiversity and community dynamics. Shifting of forest affinity among regions emphasizes the importance of a continental-scale forest plant species list with regional specificity. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Vegetation Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Association for Vegetation Science.},

note = {7},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85130705225,

title = {Changes in Species and Functional Diversity of the Herb Layer of Riparian Forest despite Six Decades of Strict Protection},

author = { K. Reczyńska and A. Orczewska and V. Yurchenko and A. Wójcicka-Rosińska and K. Świerkosz},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85130705225&doi=10.3390%2ff13050747&partnerID=40&md5=2522e571af0ed11ec686e516b1bb84eb},

doi = {10.3390/f13050747},

issn = {19994907},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Forests},

volume = {13},

number = {5},

publisher = {MDPI},

abstract = {The herb layer of temperate forests contributes to long-term forest ecosystem functioning and provisioning of ecosystem services. Therefore, a thorough understanding of its dynamics in the face of environmental changes is essential. This paper focuses on the species and functional diversity of the herb layer of riparian forests to verify how these two community components changed over time and under strict protection. The understory vegetation was surveyed on 42 semi-permanent plots in three time periods between 1960 and 2020. The overall pattern in vegetation changes that related to species richness and diversity, functional structure, and habitat conditions was analyzed using ordination and permutation techniques. We found significant changes in species composition and the functional structure of herbaceous vegetation over the last six decades. Forests were enriched with nutrient-demanding and alien species. A significant increase in functional diversity and the proportion of species with high SLA and canopy height was also observed, whereas changes in habitat conditions were insignificant. The observed trends indicate that the strict protection of forest communities within small and isolated reserves does not fully protect their species composi-tion. Forest reserves should be surrounded by unmanaged forests and spatially connected to allow species mobility. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85119209735,

title = {Microclimatic edge-to-interior gradients of European deciduous forests},

author = { C. Meeussen and S. Govaert and T. Vanneste and K. Bollmann and J. Brunet and K. Calders and S.A.O. Cousins and K. De Pauw and M. Diekmann and C. Gasperini and P.O. Hedwall and K. Hylander and G. Iacopetti and J. Lenoir and S. Lindmo and A. Orczewska and Q. Ponette and J. Plue and P. Sanczuk and F. Selvi and F. Spicher and H. Verbeeck and F. Zellweger and K. Verheyen and P. Vangansbeke and P. De Frenne},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85119209735&doi=10.1016%2fj.agrformet.2021.108699&partnerID=40&md5=3b6426604e9e00f2830a653794d1d452},

doi = {10.1016/j.agrformet.2021.108699},

issn = {01681923},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

journal = {Agricultural and Forest Meteorology},

volume = {311},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Global forest cover is heavily fragmented. Due to high edge-to-surface ratios in small forest patches, a large proportion of forests is affected by edge influences involving steep microclimatic gradients. Although forest edges are important ecotones and account for 20% of the global forested area, it remains unclear how biotic and abiotic drivers affect forest edge microclimates at the continental scale. Here we report soil and air temperatures measured in 225 deciduous forest plots across Europe for two years. Forest stands were situated along a latitudinal gradient and subject to a varying vegetation structure as quantified by terrestrial laser scanning. In summer, the average offset of air and soil temperatures in forest edges compared to temperatures outside the forest amounted to -2.8 °C and -2.3 °C, respectively. Edge-to-interior summer temperature gradients were affected by the macroclimate and edge structure. From the edge onwards, larger offsets were observed in dense forest edges and in warmer, southern regions. In open forests and northern Europe, altered microclimatic conditions extended deeper into the forest and gradients were steeper. Canopy closure and plant area index were important drivers of summer offsets in edges, whereas in winter also the forest-floor biomass played a key role. Using high-resolution maps, we estimated that approximately 10% of the European broadleaved forests would be affected by altered temperature regimes. Gradual transition zones between forest and adjacent lands are valuable habitat types for edge species. However, if cool and moist forest interiors are desired, then (i) dense and complex forest edges, (ii) an undisturbed forested buffer zone of at least 12.5 m deep and (iii) trees with a high shade casting ability could all contribute to an increased offset. These findings provide important guidelines to mitigate edge influences, to protect typical forest microclimates and to adapt forest management to climate change. © 2021 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {4},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85105660601,

title = {Taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity of understorey plants respond differently to environmental conditions in European forest edges},

author = { K. De Pauw and C. Meeussen and S. Govaert and P. Sanczuk and T. Vanneste and M. Bernhardt-Römermann and K. Bollmann and J. Brunet and K. Calders and S.A.O. Cousins and M. Diekmann and P.O. Hedwall and G. Iacopetti and J. Lenoir and S. Lindmo and A. Orczewska and Q. Ponette and J. Plue and F. Selvi and F. Spicher and H. Verbeeck and P. Vermeir and F. Zellweger and K. Verheyen and P. Vangansbeke and P. De Frenne},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85105660601&doi=10.1111%2f1365-2745.13671&partnerID=40&md5=86cbea98ef3e2469a4087ac8bb270ffa},

doi = {10.1111/1365-2745.13671},

issn = {00220477},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Ecology},

volume = {109},

number = {7},

pages = {2629-2648},

publisher = {Blackwell Publishing Ltd},

abstract = {Forest biodiversity world-wide is affected by climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation, and today 20% of the forest area is located within 100 m of a forest edge. Still, forest edges harbour a substantial amount of terrestrial biodiversity, especially in the understorey. The functional and phylogenetic diversity of forest edges have never been studied simultaneously at a continental scale, in spite of their importance for the forests' functioning and for communities' resilience to future change. We assessed nine metrics of taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity of understorey plant communities in 225 plots spread along edge-to-interior gradients in deciduous forests across Europe. We then derived the relative effects and importance of edaphic, stand and landscape conditions on the diversity metrics. Here, we show that taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity metrics respond differently to environmental conditions. We report an increase in functional diversity in plots with stronger microclimatic buffering, in spite of their lower taxonomic species richness. Additionally, we found increased taxonomic species richness at the forest edge, but in forests with intermediate and high openness, these communities had decreased phylogenetic diversity. Functional and phylogenetic diversity revealed complementary and important insights in community assembly mechanisms. Several environmental filters were identified as potential drivers of the patterns, such as a colder macroclimate and less buffered microclimate for functional diversity. For phylogenetic diversity, edaphic conditions were more important. Interestingly, plots with lower soil pH had decreased taxonomic species richness, but led to increased phylogenetic diversity, challenging the phylogenetic niche conservatism concept. Synthesis. Taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity of understorey communities in forest edges respond differently to environmental conditions, providing insight into different community assembly mechanisms and their interactions. Therefore, it is important to look beyond species richness with phylogenetic and functional diversity approaches when focusing on forest understorey biodiversity. © 2021 British Ecological Society},

note = {8},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85105283020,

title = {Biological flora of Central Europe: Impatiens glandulifera Royle},

author = { K. Helsen and M. Diekmann and G. Decocq and K. De Pauw and S. Govaert and B.J. Graae and J. Hagenblad and J. Liira and A. Orczewska and P. Sanczuk and K. Van Meerbeek and P. De Frenne},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85105283020&doi=10.1016%2fj.ppees.2021.125609&partnerID=40&md5=edeaa1f17fecf78fa4f564506a6dc387},

doi = {10.1016/j.ppees.2021.125609},

issn = {14338319},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

journal = {Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics},

volume = {50},

publisher = {Elsevier GmbH},

abstract = {This paper presents all current knowledge on the biology of the invasive therophyte Impatiens glandulifera Royle (Himalayan Balsam), and covers aspects of taxonomy, morphology, distribution, habitat requirements, ecology, life cycle, genetics, history of invasive spread, ecological impact and management. Although a few review papers have been published on this species in previous decades, a great deal of insights have been gained in the last three decades, owing to the species’ notorious reputation as one of the most problematic invasive species in Europe. This study consequently focusses on this novel information, with a particular focus on information from Central Europe. © 2021 Elsevier GmbH},

note = {3},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85096843312,

title = {Drivers of carbon stocks in forest edges across Europe},

author = { C. Meeussen and S. Govaert and T. Vanneste and S. Haesen and K. Van Meerbeek and K. Bollmann and J. Brunet and K. Calders and S.A.O. Cousins and M. Diekmann and B.J. Graae and G. Iacopetti and J. Lenoir and A. Orczewska and Q. Ponette and J. Plue and F. Selvi and F. Spicher and M.V. Sørensen and H. Verbeeck and P. Vermeir and K. Verheyen and P. Vangansbeke and P. De Frenne},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85096843312&doi=10.1016%2fj.scitotenv.2020.143497&partnerID=40&md5=38292232be45a73e411b09647885d53f},

doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143497},

issn = {00489697},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

journal = {Science of the Total Environment},

volume = {759},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Forests play a key role in global carbon cycling and sequestration. However, the potential for carbon drawdown is affected by forest fragmentation and resulting changes in microclimate, nutrient inputs, disturbance and productivity near edges. Up to 20% of the global forested area lies within 100 m of an edge and, even in temperate forests, knowledge on how edge conditions affect carbon stocks and how far this influence penetrates into forest interiors is scarce. Here we studied carbon stocks in the aboveground biomass, forest floor and the mineral topsoil in 225 plots in deciduous forest edges across Europe and tested the impact of macroclimate, nitrogen deposition and smaller-grained drivers (e.g. microclimate) on these stocks. Total carbon and carbon in the aboveground biomass stock were on average 39% and 95% higher at the forest edge than 100 m into the interior. The increase in the aboveground biomass stock close to the edge was mainly related to enhanced nitrogen deposition. No edge influence was found for stocks in the mineral topsoil. Edge-to-interior gradients in forest floor carbon changed across latitude: carbon stocks in the forest floor were higher near the edge in southern Europe. Forest floor carbon decreased with increasing litter quality (i.e. high decomposition rate) and decreasing plant area index, whereas higher soil temperatures negatively affected the mineral topsoil carbon. Based on high-resolution forest fragmentation maps, we estimate that the additional carbon stored in deciduous forest edges across Europe amounts to not less than 183 Tg carbon, which is equivalent to the storage capacity of 1 million ha of additional forest. This study underpins the importance of including edge influences when quantifying the carbon stocks in temperate forests and stresses the importance of preserving natural forest edges and small forest patches with a high edge-to-interior surface area. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {13},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85101784976,

title = {Niche differentiation, competition or habitat filtering? Mechanisms explaining co-occurrence of plant species on wet meadows of high conservation value},

author = { P. Czortek and A. Orczewska and M.K. Dyderski},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85101784976&doi=10.1111%2fjvs.12983&partnerID=40&md5=dc8bb33fbae2bea93703883c4756c2a5},

doi = {10.1111/jvs.12983},

issn = {11009233},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Vegetation Science},

volume = {32},

number = {1},

publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell},

abstract = {Questions: Due to the diverse abiotic conditions and the extensive, early-autumn, manual mowing practiced once per few years, Molinia semi-natural wet meadows are known for their high plant species diversity. However, recent socio-economic transformations and land-use changes (i.e. cessation of use) have been contributing to significant biodiversity loss in Molinia meadows. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of species co-occurrence patterns operating on well-developed Molinia meadows may be a precondition for the restoration or regeneration success of this type of vegetation. We aimed to identify community-level co-existence patterns of the whole set of plant species typical of Molinia meadows, and to assess the role of co-occurring vegetation in shaping the performance of individual species. Location: Natura 2000 Special Area of Conservation “Łąki Dąbrowskie” (S Poland). Methods: Using generalised multiple regression techniques on a set of vegetation traits and components of functional diversity, we assessed the role of different ecological mechanisms in shaping co-occurrence patterns of the entire group of species typical of Molinia meadows, as well as individual species belonging to this group. Results: When the entire group of Molinia meadow species was taken into account, niche differentiation emerged as the main mechanism influencing the co-occurrence of plant species. When considering individual species, we revealed that their co-existence patterns were mostly species-specific, pointing out the predominant role of either niche differentiation, competition, habitat filtering, or a combination of these three drivers in shaping assembly processes. Conclusions: Our results showed that the variability of niches realised by target species typical of Molinia meadows was high. Therefore, conservation of well-developed Molinia meadows should focus on both the community, and on a single species level, aiming to maintain a complex of specific microhabitat conditions. Considering small-size patches of these meadows scattered in a transformed, agricultural landscape, conservation of individual target species should be of the highest priority. © 2021 International Association for Vegetation Science},

note = {5},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85097000563,

title = {Small scale environmental variation modulates plant defence syndromes of understorey plants in deciduous forests of Europe},

author = { P. Sanczuk and S. Govaert and C. Meeussen and K. De Pauw and T. Vanneste and L. Depauw and X. Moreira and J. Schoelynck and M. De Boevre and S. De Saeger and K. Bollmann and J. Brunet and S.A.O. Cousins and J. Plue and M. Diekmann and B.J. Graae and P.O. Hedwall and G. Iacopetti and J. Lenoir and A. Orczewska and Q. Ponette and F. Selvi and F. Spicher and P. Vermeir and K. Calders and H. Verbeeck and K. Verheyen and P. Vangansbeke and P. De Frenne},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85097000563&doi=10.1111%2fgeb.13216&partnerID=40&md5=bfa25df69a6bff94ece6aafdb249b229},

doi = {10.1111/geb.13216},

issn = {1466822X},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

journal = {Global Ecology and Biogeography},

volume = {30},

number = {1},

pages = {205-219},

publisher = {Blackwell Publishing Ltd},

abstract = {Aim: Variation in plant defence traits has been frequently assessed along large-scale macroclimatic clines. In contrast, local-scale changes in the environment have recently been proposed to also modulate plant defence traits. Yet, the relative importance of drivers at both scales has never been tested. We aimed to quantify the relative importance of environmental drivers inherent to large and small spatial scales on the physical and chemical defence and tolerance to herbivory in understorey plant species of deciduous forests of Europe. Location: Deciduous forests in Europe. Time period: Present. Major taxa studied: Forest understorey plants. Methods: We sampled four typical ancient forest herbs (Anemone nemorosa; Oxalis acetosella; Deschampsia cespitosa; Milium effusum) along small and large spatial scale gradients (those driven by latitude; elevation; forest management and distance to the forest edge), and analysed a suite of nine constitutively expressed traits associated with overall resistance to herbivory, and their multivariate response to environmental clines. Results: Although our study included a large gradient in macroclimate, we found variation in the local environment at small spatial scales (i.e. soil nutrient concentration and forest structural complexity) to be more important in predicting plant resistance to herbivory. Main conclusions: In addition to macroclimatic conditions, subtle differences in forest microclimate and soil characteristics also played a major role in modulating plant defence phenotypes. These findings highlight the importance of the local habitat structure and environmental conditions in modulating plant resistance to herbivory. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd},

note = {7},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85088813844,

title = {Hedging against biodiversity loss: Forest herbs’ performance in hedgerows across temperate Europe},

author = { T. Vanneste and S. Van Den Berge and E. Riské and J. Brunet and G. Decocq and M. Diekmann and B.J. Graae and P.O. Hedwall and J. Lenoir and J. Liira and S. Lindmo and K. Litza and T. Naaf and A. Orczewska and M. Wulf and K. Verheyen and P. De Frenne},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85088813844&doi=10.1111%2fjvs.12917&partnerID=40&md5=5d07031947bdbe7bc494a811bc826430},

doi = {10.1111/jvs.12917},

issn = {11009233},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Vegetation Science},

volume = {31},

number = {5},

pages = {817-829},

publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell},

abstract = {Questions: How do contrasting environmental conditions among forests and hedgerows affect the vegetative and reproductive performance of understorey forest herbs in both habitats? Can hedgerows support reproductive source populations of forest herbs, thus potentially allowing progressive dispersal of successive generations along these linear habitats?. Location: Hedgerows and deciduous forest patches in agricultural landscapes across the European temperate biome. Methods: First, we assessed differences in environmental conditions among forests and hedgerows. Next, we quantified plant performance based on a set of functional life-history traits for four forest herbs (Anemone nemorosa; Ficaria verna; Geum urbanum; Poa nemoralis) with contrasting flowering phenology and colonisation capacity in paired combinations of forests and hedgerows, and compared these traits among both habitats. Finally, we assessed relationships between plant performance and environmental conditions in both habitats. Results: All study species showed a higher above-ground biomass in hedgerows than in forests. For Poa nemoralis and Geum urbanum, we also found a higher reproductive output in hedgerows, which was mainly correlated to the higher sub-canopy temperatures therein. The “ancient forest herb” Anemone nemorosa, however, appeared to have a lower reproductive output in hedgerows than in forests, while for Ficaria verna no reproductive differences were found between the two habitats. Conclusions: This is the first study on such a broad geographical scale to provide evidence of reproductive source populations of forest herbs in hedgerows. Our findings provide key information on strategies by which forest plants grow, reproduce and disperse in hedgerow environments, which is imperative to better understand the dispersal corridor function of these wooded linear structures. Finally, we highlight the urgent need to develop guidelines for preserving, managing and establishing hedgerows in intensive agricultural landscapes, given their potential to contribute to the long-term conservation and migration of forest herbs in the face of global environmental change. © 2020 International Association for Vegetation Science},

note = {7},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85086661979,

title = {Biological flora of the British Isles: Poa nemoralis},

author = { J. Plue and S.A.O. Cousins and K. De Pauw and M. Diekmann and J. Hagenblad and K. Helsen and M. Hermy and J. Liira and A. Orczewska and T. Vanneste and M. Wulf and P. De Frenne},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85086661979&doi=10.1111%2f1365-2745.13402&partnerID=40&md5=f48393bceb6a8536f87b2f9fd09a2359},

doi = {10.1111/1365-2745.13402},

issn = {00220477},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Ecology},

volume = {108},

number = {4},

pages = {1750-1774},

publisher = {Blackwell Publishing Ltd},

abstract = {This account presents information on all aspects of the biology of Poa nemoralis L. (Wood Meadow-grass) that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of the Biological Flora of the British Isles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, herbivores and disease, history, and conservation. The grass Poa nemoralis is widespread and frequent to locally common across the British Isles, except for western and central Ireland, and northern Scotland. In both its native Eurasian range and introduced ranges in, for example, the Americas, its main habitat comprises temperate (mixed) deciduous woodland. The species finds important secondary habitats in hedgerows, as well as in non-woodland vegetation such as on cliffs, screes and walls or sporadically in grassland and heathland. Although not always taxonomically or morphologically distinct units, the species is suspected to comprise many cytological races and hybrid polyploid populations with variable morphology. Morphological variation among P. nemoralis populations may also be a sign of local environmental adaptation or a result of introgressive hybridization with other, morphologically variable members of Poa section Stenopoa such as P. glauca, P. compressa or P. pratensis. Poa nemoralis is a small-statured, loosely caespitose grass, with populations ranging from a few individual tufts to those visually defining the aspect of the herbaceous understorey. The species tolerates moderate to deep shade on the forest floor, yet it tends to forage for available light, occurring more and growing taller in canopy gaps, forest edges and hedgerows. The amount of light is central to its survival and reproductive ecology, being important for flower induction, seed production and seed germination. The species produces large quantities of small, light seeds which facilitate spatial and temporal dispersal. The species occupies a wide range of soil pH (3–7) and nutrient conditions (C/N ratio ranges between 10 and 25), though it clearly prefers moderately acid and somewhat drier soils with limited litter thickness, avoiding soils with mor humus types. Poa nemoralis displays distinct small-scale acidifuge responses, being absent in areas of low soil pH (<3). Poa nemoralis is a moderately strong indicator of ancient woodland: it can quickly colonize recently established wooded areas adjacent to ancient woodland when it is not hindered by dispersal limitation and elevated nutrient levels. Nonetheless, dispersal limitation impedes rapid colonization of isolated, recently established woodlands, in spite of ample records of zoochorous seed dispersal. While currently frequent to locally common, the species is at risk if ancient woodlands continue to decline in its native Eurasian range. Across N.W. Europe, it is already in moderate decline in temperate deciduous ancient woodlands because of acidification, eutrophication and darkening of the forest understorey. In its introduced ranges, it is considered invasive. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Ecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Ecological Society},

note = {2},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85083304046,

title = {Plant diversity in hedgerows and road verges across Europe},

author = { T. Vanneste and S. Govaert and W. De Kesel and S. Van Den Berge and P. Vangansbeke and C. Meeussen and J. Brunet and S.A.O. Cousins and G. Decocq and M. Diekmann and B.J. Graae and P.O. Hedwall and T. Heinken and K. Helsen and R.E. Kapás and J. Lenoir and J. Liira and S. Lindmo and K. Litza and T. Naaf and A. Orczewska and J. Plue and M. Wulf and K. Verheyen and P. De Frenne},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85083304046&doi=10.1111%2f1365-2664.13620&partnerID=40&md5=6635c9932767a556d55102fdc87a1b52},

doi = {10.1111/1365-2664.13620},

issn = {00218901},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Applied Ecology},

volume = {57},

number = {7},

pages = {1244-1257},

publisher = {Blackwell Publishing Ltd},

abstract = {Linear landscape elements such as hedgerows and road verges have the potential to mitigate the adverse effects of habitat fragmentation and climate change on species, for instance, by serving as a refuge habitat or by improving functional connectivity across the landscape. However, so far this hypothesis has not been evaluated at large spatial scales, preventing us from making generalized conclusions about their efficacy and implementation in conservation policies. Here, we assessed plant diversity patterns in 336 vegetation plots distributed along hedgerows and road verges, spanning a macro-environmental gradient across temperate Europe. We compared herb-layer species richness and composition in these linear elements with the respective seed-source (core) habitats, that is, semi-natural forests and grasslands. Next, we assessed how these differences related to several environmental drivers acting either locally, at the landscape level or along the studied macro-ecological gradient. Across all regions, about 55% of the plant species were shared between forests and hedgerows, and 52% between grasslands and road verges. Habitat-specialist richness was 11% lower in the linear habitats than in the core habitats, while generalist richness was 14% higher. The difference in floristic composition between both habitat types was mainly due to species turnover, and not nestedness. Most notably, forest-specialist richness in hedgerows responded positively to tree cover, tree height and the proportion of forests in the surrounding landscape, while generalist richness was negatively affected by tree height and buffering effect of trees on subcanopy temperatures. Grassland and road verge diversity was mainly influenced by soil properties, with positive effects of basic cation levels on the number of specialists and those of bioavailable soil phosphorus on generalist diversity. Synthesis and applications. We demonstrate that linear landscape elements provide a potential habitat for plant species across Europe, including slow-colonizing specialists. Additionally, our results stress the possibility for land managers to modify local habitat features (e.g. canopy structure; subcanopy microclimate; soil properties; mowing regime) through management practices to enhance the colonization success of specialists in these linear habitats. These findings underpin the management needed to better conserving the biodiversity of agricultural landscapes across broad geographical scales. © 2020 British Ecological Society},

note = {30},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85079620649,

title = {Structural variation of forest edges across Europe},

author = { C. Meeussen and S. Govaert and T. Vanneste and K. Calders and K. Bollmann and J. Brunet and S.A.O. Cousins and M. Diekmann and B.J. Graae and P.O. Hedwall and S.M. Krishna Moorthy and G. Iacopetti and J. Lenoir and S. Lindmo and A. Orczewska and Q. Ponette and J. Plue and F. Selvi and F. Spicher and M. Tolosano and H. Verbeeck and K. Verheyen and P. Vangansbeke and P. De Frenne},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85079620649&doi=10.1016%2fj.foreco.2020.117929&partnerID=40&md5=c24e9d83e2b1534e9c943fe501f602cc},

doi = {10.1016/j.foreco.2020.117929},

issn = {03781127},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {Forest Ecology and Management},

volume = {462},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Forest edges are interfaces between forest interiors and adjacent land cover types. They are important elements in the landscape with almost 20% of the global forest area located within 100 m of the edge. Edges are structurally different from forest interiors, which results in unique edge influences on microclimate, functioning and biodiversity. These edge influences have been studied for multiple decades, yet there is only limited information available on how forest edge structure varies at the continental scale, and which factors drive this potential structural diversity. Here we quantified the structural variation along 45 edge-to-interior transects situated along latitudinal, elevational and management gradients across Europe. We combined state-of-the-art terrestrial laser scanning and conventional forest inventory techniques to investigate how the forest edge structure (e.g. plant area index; stem density; canopy height and foliage height diversity) varies and which factors affect this forest edge structural variability. Macroclimate, management, distance to the forest edge and tree community composition all influenced the forest edge structural variability and interestingly we detected interactive effects of our predictors as well. We found more abrupt edge-to-interior gradients (i.e. steeper slopes) in the plant area index in regularly thinned forests. In addition, latitude, mean annual temperature and humidity all affected edge-to-interior gradients in stem density. We also detected a simultaneous impact of both humidity and management, and humidity and distance to the forest edge, on the canopy height and foliage height diversity. These results contribute to our understanding of how environmental conditions and management shape the forest edge structure. Our findings stress the need for site-specific recommendations on forest edge management instead of generalized recommendations as the macroclimate substantially influences the forest edge structure. Only then, the forest edge microclimate, functioning and biodiversity can be conserved at a local scale. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {17},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85079055500,

title = {Edge influence on understorey plant communities depends on forest management},

author = { S. Govaert and C. Meeussen and T. Vanneste and K. Bollmann and J. Brunet and S.A.O. Cousins and M. Diekmann and B.J. Graae and P.O. Hedwall and T. Heinken and G. Iacopetti and J. Lenoir and S. Lindmo and A. Orczewska and M.P. Perring and Q. Ponette and J. Plue and F. Selvi and F. Spicher and M. Tolosano and P. Vermeir and F. Zellweger and K. Verheyen and P. Vangansbeke and P. De Frenne},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85079055500&doi=10.1111%2fjvs.12844&partnerID=40&md5=33813746f74dee07163055302995a920},

doi = {10.1111/jvs.12844},

issn = {11009233},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Vegetation Science},

volume = {31},

number = {2},

pages = {281-292},

publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell},

abstract = {Questions: Does the influence of forest edges on plant species richness and composition depend on forest management? Do forest specialists and generalists show contrasting patterns?. Location: Mesic, deciduous forests across Europe. Methods: Vegetation surveys were performed in forests with three management types (unthinned; thinned 5–10 years ago and recently thinned) along a macroclimatic gradient from Italy to Norway. In each of 45 forests, we established five vegetation plots along a south-facing edge-to-interior gradient (n = 225). Forest specialist, generalist and total species richness, as well as evenness and proportion of specialists, were tested as a function of the management type and distance to the edge while accounting for several environmental variables (e.g. landscape composition and soil characteristics). Magnitude and distance of edge influence were estimated for species richness per management type. Results: Greatest total species richness was found in thinned forests. Edge influence on generalist plant species richness was contingent on the management type, with the smallest decrease in species richness from the edge-to-interior in unthinned forests. In addition, generalist richness increased with the proportion of forests in the surrounding landscape and decreased in forests dominated by tree species that cast more shade. Forest specialist species richness, however, was not affected by management type or distance to the edge, and only increased with pH and increasing proportion of forests in the landscape. Conclusions: Forest thinning affects the plant community composition along edge-to-interior transects of European forests, with richness of forest specialists and generalists responding differently. Therefore, future studies should take the forest management into account when interpreting edge-to-interior because both modify the microclimate, soil processes and deposition of polluting aerosols. This interaction is key to predict the effects of global change on forest plants in landscapes characterized by the mosaic of forest patches and agricultural land that is typical for Europe. © 2019 International Association for Vegetation Science},

note = {23},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85073989157,

title = {Contrasting microclimates among hedgerows and woodlands across temperate Europe},

author = { T. Vanneste and S. Govaert and F. Spicher and J. Brunet and S.A.O. Cousins and G. Decocq and M. Diekmann and B.J. Graae and P.O. Hedwall and R.E. Kapás and J. Lenoir and J. Liira and S. Lindmo and K. Litza and T. Naaf and A. Orczewska and J. Plue and M. Wulf and K. Verheyen and P. De Frenne},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85073989157&doi=10.1016%2fj.agrformet.2019.107818&partnerID=40&md5=c61ee06de51bd0d9e551593b392c93e5},

doi = {10.1016/j.agrformet.2019.107818},

issn = {01681923},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {Agricultural and Forest Meteorology},

volume = {281},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Hedgerows have the potential to facilitate the persistence and migration of species across landscapes, mostly due to benign microclimatic conditions. This thermal buffering function may become even more important in the future for species migration under climate change. Unfortunately, there is a lack of empirical studies quantifying the microclimate of hedgerows, particularly at broad geographical scales. Here we monitored sub-canopy temperatures using 168 miniature temperature sensors distributed along woodland-hedgerow transects, and spanning a 1600-km macroclimatic gradient across Europe. First, we assessed the variation in the temperature offset (that is; the difference between sub-canopy and corresponding macroclimate temperatures) for minimum, mean and maximum temperatures along the woodland-hedgerow transects. Next, we linked the observed patterns to macroclimate temperatures as well as canopy structure, overstorey composition and hedgerow characteristics. The sub-canopy versus macroclimate temperature offset was on average 0.10 °C lower in hedgerows than in woodlands. Minimum winter temperatures were consistently lower by 0.10 °C in hedgerows than in woodlands, while maximum summer temperatures were 0.80 °C higher, albeit mainly around the woodland-hedgerow ecotone. The temperature offset was often negatively correlated with macroclimate temperatures. The slope of this relationship was lower for maximum temperatures in hedgerows than in woodlands. During summer, canopy cover, tree height and hedgerow width had strong cooling effects on maximum mid-day temperatures in hedgerows. The effects of shrub height, shrub cover and shade-casting ability, however, were not significant. To our knowledge, this is the first study to quantify hedgerow microclimates along a continental-scale environmental gradient. We show that hedgerows are less efficient thermal insulators than woodlands, especially at high ambient temperatures (e.g. on warm summer days). This knowledge will not only result in better predictions of species distribution across fragmented landscapes, but will also help to elaborate efficient strategies for biodiversity conservation and landscape planning. © 2019 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {18},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85069202657,

title = {The impact of salvage logging on herb layer species composition and plant community recovery in Białowieża Forest},

author = { A. Orczewska and P. Czortek and B. Jaroszewicz},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85069202657&doi=10.1007%2fs10531-019-01795-8&partnerID=40&md5=c081106e213b05428fe6e214ce95896a},

doi = {10.1007/s10531-019-01795-8},

issn = {09603115},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {Biodiversity and Conservation},

volume = {28},

number = {13},

pages = {3407-3428},

publisher = {Springer Netherlands},

abstract = {Białowieża Forest is one of the closest to pristine forest ecosystems in temperate vegetation zone in European Lowland, which is still being transformed by forest management. We investigated the effects of salvage logging of spruce stands killed by bark beetle on the recovery process and the biodiversity of the herb layer in the early stages of vegetation development after felling, on the habitat of mixed deciduous, oak-lime-hornbeam forest (Tilio-Carpinetum). We tested: (i) to what extent salvage logging modifies the plant species richness and diversity compared to sites left intact; (ii) whether clear-felling leads to an increase in diversity of vascular plants; and (iii) which ecological groups of plants benefit, and which are hindered by disturbance, depending on age and size of the clear-felled site. Salvage harvesting executed between 2012 and 2016 led to an increase in overall plant diversity. However, the winners were the species of open habitats, promoted by soil disturbance, whereas the number and cover of ancient forest indicator species decreased in comparison to unlogged forests. Both trends were significantly related to the increasing size of clear-felled sites, and developed right after logging. A comparison of the species composition of the disturbed (logged and unlogged) sites with undisturbed forest with stands unaffected by infestation, treated as control plots revealed the great potential of the affected sites for spontaneous recovery towards the oak-lime-hornbeam forest community, despite 50–90 years of spruce-dominated stand cover. We conclude that continuous deterioration of the forest habitats via clearcutting of stands affected by insect outbreak, followed by tree planting, substantially reduces the chances of successful, natural regeneration towards deciduous, structurally complex and diverse forests. © 2019, The Author(s).},

note = {5},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85061057763,

title = {Plant–soil feedbacks of forest understorey plants transplanted in nonlocal soils along a latitudinal gradient},

author = { S. Ma and P. De Frenne and S. Wasof and J. Brunet and S.A.O. Cousins and G. Decocq and A. Kolb and I.H. Lemke and J. Liira and T. Naaf and A. Orczewska and J. Plue and M. Wulf and K. Verheyen},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85061057763&doi=10.1111%2fplb.12960&partnerID=40&md5=2e626b0aec06fcc3045499e583acc7e4},

doi = {10.1111/plb.12960},

issn = {14358603},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {Plant Biology},

volume = {21},

number = {4},

pages = {677-687},

publisher = {Blackwell Publishing Ltd},

abstract = {Climate change is driving movements of many plants beyond, as well as within, their current distributional ranges. Even migrant plants moving within their current range may experience different plant–soil feedbacks (PSF) because of divergent nonlocal biotic soil conditions. Yet, our understanding to what extent soil biotic conditions can affect the performance of within-range migrant plants is still very limited. We assessed the emergence and growth of migrant forest herbs (Milium effusum and Stachys sylvatica) using soils and seeds collected along a 1,700 km latitudinal gradient across Europe. Soil biota were manipulated through four soil treatments, i.e. unsterilized control soil (PSFUS), sterilized soil (PSFS), sterilized soil inoculated with unsterilized home soil (PSFS+HI) and sterilized soil inoculated with unsterilized foreign soil (PSFS+FI; expected to occur when both plants and soil biota track climate change). Compared to PSFS, PSFUS had negative effects on the growth but not emergence of both species, while PSFS+FI only affected S. sylvatica across all seed provenances. When considering seed origin, seedling emergence and growth responses to nonlocal soils depended on soil biotic conditions. Specifically, the home–away distance effect on seedling emergence differed between the four treatments, and significant responses to chemistry either disappeared (M. effusum) or changed (S. sylvatica) from PSFUS to PSFS. Soil biota emerge as an important driver of the estimated plant migration success. Our results of the effects of soil microorganisms on plant establishment provide relevant information for predictions of the distribution and dynamics of plant species in a changing climate. © 2019 German Society for Plant Sciences and The Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands},

note = {5},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85066919065,

title = {Plant species identity and soil characteristics determine rhizosphere soil bacteria community composition in European temperate forests},

author = { S. Ma and P. De Frenne and N. Boon and J. Brunet and S.A.O. Cousins and G. Decocq and A. Kolb and I.H. Lemke and J. Liira and T. Naaf and A. Orczewska and J. Plue and M. Wulf and K. Verheyen},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85066919065&doi=10.1093%2ffemsec%2ffiz063&partnerID=40&md5=48788d49fefc386869da741c45774034},

doi = {10.1093/femsec/fiz063},

issn = {01686496},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {FEMS Microbiology Ecology},

volume = {95},

number = {6},

publisher = {Oxford University Press},

abstract = {Soil bacteria and understorey plants interact and drive forest ecosystem functioning. Yet, knowledge about biotic and abiotic factors that affect the composition of the bacterial community in the rhizosphere of understorey plants is largely lacking. Here, we assessed the effects of plant species identity (Milium effusum vs. Stachys sylvatica), rhizospheric soil characteristics, large-scale environmental conditions (temperature; precipitation and nitrogen (N) deposition), and land-use history (ancient vs. recent forests) on bacterial community composition in rhizosphere soil in temperate forests along a 1700 km latitudinal gradient in Europe. The dominant bacterial phyla in the rhizosphere soil of both plant species were Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. Bacterial community composition differed significantly between the two plant species. Within plant species, soil chemistry was the most important factor determining soil bacterial community composition. More precisely, soil acidity correlated with the presence of multiple phyla, e.g. Acidobacteria (negatively), Chlamydiae (negatively) and Nitrospirae (positively), in both plant species. Large-scale environmental conditions were only important in S. sylvatica and land-use history was not important in either of the plant species. The observed role of understorey plant species identity and rhizosphere soil characteristics in determining soil bacterial community composition extends our understanding of plant-soil bacteria interactions in forest ecosystem functioning. © FEMS 2019.},

note = {13},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85063962751,

title = {Local soil characteristics determine the microbial communities under forest understorey plants along a latitudinal gradient},

author = { S. Ma and P. De Frenne and M. Vanhellemont and S. Wasof and P. Boeckx and J. Brunet and S.A.O. Cousins and G. Decocq and A. Kolb and I.H. Lemke and J. Liira and T. Naaf and A. Orczewska and J. Plue and M. Wulf and K. Verheyen},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85063962751&doi=10.1016%2fj.baae.2019.03.001&partnerID=40&md5=c0b6654395dfa0e5515c1d924f4244b1},

doi = {10.1016/j.baae.2019.03.001},

issn = {14391791},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {Basic and Applied Ecology},

volume = {36},

pages = {34-44},

publisher = {Elsevier GmbH},

abstract = {The soil microbial community is essential for maintaining ecosystem functioning and is intimately linked with the plant community. Yet, little is known on how soil microbial communities in the root zone vary at continental scales within plant species. Here we assess the effects of soil chemistry, large-scale environmental conditions (i.e. temperature; precipitation and nitrogen deposition) and forest land-use history on the soil microbial communities (measured by phospholipid fatty acids) in the root zone of four plant species (Geum urbanum; Milium effusum; Poa nemoralis and Stachys sylvatica) in forests along a 1700 km latitudinal gradient in Europe. Soil microbial communities differed significantly among plant species, and soil chemistry was the main determinant of the microbial community composition within each plant species. Influential soil chemical variables for microbial communities were plant species-specific; soil acidity, however, was often an important factor. Large-scale environmental conditions, together with soil chemistry, only explained the microbial community composition in M. effusum and P. nemoralis. Forest land-use history did not affect the soil microbial community composition. Our results underpin the dominant role of soil chemistry in shaping microbial community composition variation within plant species at the continental scale, and provide insights into the composition and functionality of soil microbial communities in forest ecosystems. © 2019 Gesellschaft für Ökologie},

note = {5},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85044227683,

title = {Plant species composition shifts in the Tatra Mts as a response to environmental change: a resurvey study after 90 years},

author = { P. Czortek and J. Kapfer and A. Delimat and A.E. Eycott and J.A. Grytnes and A. Orczewska and H. Ratyńska and A. Zięba and B. Jaroszewicz},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85044227683&doi=10.1007%2fs12224-018-9312-9&partnerID=40&md5=ec80184e2621e9c28af7edbd23928739},

doi = {10.1007/s12224-018-9312-9},

issn = {12119520},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {Folia Geobotanica},

volume = {53},

number = {3},

pages = {333-348},

publisher = {Springer Netherlands},

abstract = {Mountain vegetation is often considered highly sensitive to climate and land-use changes due to steep environmental gradients determining local plant species composition. In this study we present plant species compositional shifts in the Tatra Mts over the past 90 years and discuss the potential drivers of the changes observed. Using historical vegetation studies of the region from 1927, we resurveyed 76 vegetation plots, recording the vascular flora of each plot using the same methodology as in the original survey. We used an indirect method to quantify plant species compositional shifts and to indicate which environmental gradients could be responsible for these shifts: by calculating shifts in estimated species optima as reflected in shifts in the ecological indicator values of co-occurring species. To find shifts in species composition, focusing on each vegetation type separately, we used ordination (DCA). The species optimum changed significantly for at least one of the tested environmental gradients for 26 of the 95 plant species tested; most of these species changed in terms of the moisture indicator value. We found that the strongest shifts in species composition were in mylonite grassland, snowbed and hygrophilous tall herb communities. Changes in precipitation and increase in temperature were found to most likely drive compositional shifts in vegetation resurveyed. It is likely that the combined effect of climate change and cessation of sheep grazing has driven a species composition shift in granite grasslands communities. © 2018, Institute of Botany, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic.},

note = {21},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85050528055,

title = {Białowieza forest: A new threat},

author = { M. Zmihorski and P. Chylarecki and A. Orczewska and T. Wesołowski},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85050528055&doi=10.1126%2fscience.aau2708&partnerID=40&md5=07df57caae29e7c6199bd20a154e8e9c},

doi = {10.1126/science.aau2708},

issn = {00368075},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {Science},

volume = {361},

number = {6399},

pages = {238-},

publisher = {American Association for the Advancement of Science},

abstract = {[No abstract available]},

note = {15},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85042116700,

title = {Atmospheric nitrogen deposition on petals enhances seed quality of the forest herb Anemone nemorosa},

author = { P. De Frenne and H. Blondeel and J. Brunet and M.M. Carón and O. Chabrerie and M. Cougnon and S.A.O. Cousins and G. Decocq and M. Diekmann and B.J. Graae and M.E. Hanley and T. Heinken and M. Hermy and A. Kolb and J. Lenoir and J. Liira and A. Orczewska and A. Shevtsova and T. Vanneste and K. Verheyen},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85042116700&doi=10.1111%2fplb.12688&partnerID=40&md5=9a972ab9a97755d9c6db0eb523767083},

doi = {10.1111/plb.12688},

issn = {14358603},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {Plant Biology},

volume = {20},

number = {3},

pages = {619-626},

publisher = {Blackwell Publishing Ltd},

abstract = {Elevated atmospheric input of nitrogen (N) is currently affecting plant biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The growth and survival of numerous plant species is known to respond strongly to N fertilisation. Yet, few studies have assessed the effects of N deposition on seed quality and reproductive performance, which is an important life-history stage of plants. Here we address this knowledge gap by assessing the effects of atmospheric N deposition on seed quality of the ancient forest herb Anemone nemorosa using two complementary approaches. By taking advantage of the wide spatiotemporal variation in N deposition rates in pan-European temperate and boreal forests over 2 years, we detected positive effects of N deposition on the N concentration (percentage N per unit seed mass; increased from 2.8% to 4.1%) and N content (total N mass per seed more than doubled) of A. nemorosa seeds. In a complementary experiment, we applied ammonium nitrate to aboveground plant tissues and the soil surface to determine whether dissolved N sources in precipitation could be incorporated into seeds. Although the addition of N to leaves and the soil surface had no effect, a concentrated N solution applied to petals during anthesis resulted in increased seed mass, seed N concentration and N content. Our results demonstrate that N deposition on the petals enhances bioaccumulation of N in the seeds of A. nemorosa. Enhanced atmospheric inputs of N can thus not only affect growth and population dynamics via root or canopy uptake, but can also influence seed quality and reproduction via intake through the inflorescences. © 2018 German Society for Plant Sciences and The Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands},

note = {5},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85055623042,

title = {Cessation of livestock grazing and windthrow drive a shift in plant species composition in the Western Tatra Mts [Auflassung von Beweidung und Windwürfe führen zur Veränderung der Artenzusammensetzung der Vegetation in der westlichen Tatra]},

author = { P. Czortek and H. Ratyńska and M.K. Dyderski and A.M. Jagodziński and A. Orczewska and B. Jaroszewicz},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85055623042&doi=10.14471%2f2018.38.008&partnerID=40&md5=be35888a8f0b4698bd2c98f97133d4f9},

doi = {10.14471/2018.38.008},

issn = {0722494X},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {Tuexenia},

volume = {38},

pages = {177-196},

publisher = {Floristisch - Soziologische Arbeitsgemeinschaft},

abstract = {Mountain vegetation is considered highly sensitive to changes in land use, especially grazing regime and forest management. The aim of this study was to assess shifts in plant species composition in the Western Tatra Mts over the past 92 years and to determine environmental drivers that have caused changes in species composition. We resurveyed 47 vegetation plots assigned to three different types of vegetation, which were originally sampled in 1922. For each plot we recorded all vascular plant species, using the same methodology as in the original survey. For interpretation of the vegetation changes we used a set of ecological indicator values. The species composition of resampled grasslands was characterized by a higher proportion of nitrogen-demanding species on areas abandoned from livestock grazing. This reflects the higher susceptibility of grasslands located below natural treeline to changes in land use in comparison to those occurring on areas above the treeline, which may constitute a large threat to biological diversity of the Tatra Mts grasslands at the lower limit of their elevational range. Catastrophic windthrow constituted an important factor driving compositional dynamics in mountain spruce forests, creating a high diversity of microhabitats with suitable conditions for natural regeneration and development of the forest. © 2018},

note = {10},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85014004948,

title = {Biological Flora of the British Isles: Milium effusum},

author = { P. De Frenne and J. Brunet and M. Cougnon and G. Decocq and B.J. Graae and J. Hagenblad and M. Hermy and A. Kolb and I.H. Lemke and S. Ma and A. Orczewska and J. Plue and G. Vranckx and M. Wulf and K. Verheyen},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85014004948&doi=10.1111%2f1365-2745.12744&partnerID=40&md5=0ebdb62411b3795da15a8b97bb141b3f},

doi = {10.1111/1365-2745.12744},

issn = {00220477},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Ecology},

volume = {105},

number = {3},

pages = {839-858},

publisher = {Blackwell Publishing Ltd},

abstract = {This account presents information on all aspects of the biology of Milium effusum L. (Wood Millet) that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of the Biological Flora of the British Isles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, herbivores and disease, history, and conservation. The grass Milium effusum is a common species of mature woodland in central and southern England, but is less common in the wetter parts of northern England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. World-wide, the species is native to many temperate, boreal, subarctic and subalpine parts of the northern hemisphere: from eastern North America across most of Europe (excluding Mediterranean climates) to the Ural Mountains and Black Sea, extending eastwards to the Himalaya, Korea and Japan. Wood Millet is a shade-tolerant, relatively tall grass (up to 1·8 m) producing up to 700 caryopses per individual. It is characteristic of temperate deciduous woodland, but can also occur in other woodland and forest types and even in scrub, alpine meadows, along railways and roads, and on rocks. In woods, it is one of the most conspicuous plants of the herb layer in the early summer after the disappearance of spring flowering species. While the species is generally considered an ancient woodland indicator in England and western Europe, it is also known to colonize secondary, post-agricultural forests relatively rapidly in other areas such as Denmark, southern Sweden and Poland. The species has a wide amplitude in terms of soil acidity and nutrient availability, but predominantly grows on soils of intermediate soil fertility and soil pH and with high organic matter concentration. However, M. effusum can tolerate large quantities of tree-leaf litter on the forest floor and is able to grow on very acidic soils. Changes in land use, climate, densities of large herbivores and atmospheric deposition of nitrogen are having effects on populations of Wood Millet. Significant responses of the life-history traits and population characteristics have been detected in response to environmental variation and to experimental treatments of temperature, nutrients, light and acidity. In many of its habitats across its range, M. effusum is currently becoming more frequent. During the last century, its mean elevation of occurrence in upland areas of Europe has also increased by several hundreds of metres. Typically, management actions are directed towards the conservation of its main habitat type (e.g. ancient woodlands of the Milio-Fagetum association) rather than to the species specifically. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Ecology © 2017 British Ecological Society},

note = {7},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84964587024,

title = {Do ants drive speciation in aphids? A possible case of ant-driven speciation in the aphid genus Stomaphis Walker (Aphidoidea, Lachninae)},

author = { Ł. Depa and E. Mróz and A. Bugaj-Nawrocka and A. Orczewska},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84964587024&doi=10.1111%2fzoj.12437&partnerID=40&md5=39e6bb9d54b56bbd186145d58d001df6},

doi = {10.1111/zoj.12437},

issn = {00244082},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society},

volume = {179},

number = {1},

pages = {41-61},

publisher = {Oxford University Press},

abstract = {Ecological divergence is an accepted mode of speciation in phytophagous insects such as aphids. Adaptations of ancestral populations to various feeding locations on a plant seem to be a promoted mode of such speciation. In this study we present a thesis that for obligatorily myrmecophilous aphids it is a mutualistic relationship with distinct ants that constitutes a significant selective factor. It leads to the separation of ecological niches of ancestral aphid populations and development of sibling species. The thesis is supported by the example of two sibling aphid species of the genus Stomaphis, S. quercus (L.) and S. wojciechowskii Depa, which show very peculiar adaptations to feeding on trees and are both undoubtedly obligatorily myrmecophilous species. Their separateness is proven by mitochondrial markers, as well as their life modes and ecological adaptations: they all follow the biology of their respective ant hosts: Lasius (Dendrolasius) fuliginosus and L. (L.) brunneus. Proven and modelled geographical distributions indicate a high level of sympatry and the fact that environmental requirements of both aphid species overlap. It is suggested that their divergence has resulted from having adapted to living with ants of distinct life modes, foraging strategies and positions in the hierarchy of ant assemblages. This, in turn, indirectly affected their adaptations to exploit different host plant genera. © 2016 The Linnean Society of London.},

note = {14},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84960976785,

title = {Acido- and neutrophilic temperate forest plants display distinct shifts in ecological pH niche across north-western Europe},

author = { J. Reinecke and M. Wulf and L. Baeten and J. Brunet and G. Decocq and P. De Frenne and M. Diekmann and B.J. Graae and T. Heinken and M. Hermy and A. Jamoneau and J. Lenoir and J. Plue and A. Orczewska and H. Van Calster and K. Verheyen and T. Naaf},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84960976785&doi=10.1111%2fecog.02051&partnerID=40&md5=b358de9344bb51f464f91d1ea8755611},

doi = {10.1111/ecog.02051},

issn = {09067590},

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-01-01},

journal = {Ecography},

volume = {39},

number = {12},

pages = {1164-1175},

publisher = {Blackwell Publishing Ltd},

abstract = {Ecological niches of organisms vary across geographical space, but niche shift patterns between regions and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. We studied shifts in the pH niche of 42 temperate forest plant species across a latitudinal gradient from northern France to boreo-nemoral Sweden. We asked 1) whether species restrict their niches with increasing latitude as they reach their northern range margin (environmental constraints); 2) whether species expand their niches with increasing latitude as regional plant species richness decreases (competitive release); and 3) whether species shift their niche position toward more acidic sites with increasing latitude as the relative proportion of acidic soils increases (local adaptation). Based on 1458 vegetation plots and corresponding soil pH values, we modelled species response curves using Huisman–Olff–Fresco models. Four niche measures (width, position, left and right border) were compared among regions by randomization tests. We found that with increasing latitude, neutrophilic species tended to retreat from acidic sites, indicating that these species retreat to more favorable sites when approaching their range margin. Alternatively, these species might benefit from enhanced nitrogen deposition on formerly nutrient-poor, acidic sites in southern regions or lag behind in post-glacial recolonization of potential habitats in northern regions. Most acidophilic species extended their niche toward more base-rich sites with increasing latitude, indicating competitive release from neutrophilic species. Alternatively, acidophilic species might benefit from optimal climatic conditions in the north where some have their core distribution area. Shifts in the niche position suggested that local adaptation is of minor importance. We conclude that shifts in the pH niche of temperate forest plants are the rule, but the directions of the niche shifts and possible explanations vary. Our study demonstrates that differentiating between acidophilic and neutrophilic species is crucial to identify general patterns and underlying mechanisms. © 2016 The Authors},

note = {9},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84947919910,

title = {Recovery of the herbaceous layer in the young silver birch and black alder stands that developed spontaneously after a forest fire},

author = { A. Orczewska and M. Prukop and A. Strzelczyk},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84947919910&doi=10.1007%2fs11284-015-1321-z&partnerID=40&md5=c13469ceed88d69123b77eddbe1ac815},

doi = {10.1007/s11284-015-1321-z},

issn = {09123814},

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-01-01},

journal = {Ecological Research},

volume = {31},

number = {1},

pages = {125-133},

publisher = {Springer Tokyo},

abstract = {The studies, which were conducted in southern Poland, focused on the recovery of the herb layer in 17-year-old post-fire silver birch and black alder forests. Although both types of stands, which are of the same age, developed spontaneously, the alder stands occupied damper sites (with thicker A horizons that survived the fire) than those in the birch forests. We surveyed the migration rates of 44 woodland species, primarily ancient woodland indicators, into both forests and the potential differences in these rates depending on their moisture regime and the community type represented by unburned forests, which were treated as the source of the woodland species pool. Additionally, the role of local depressions with high humidity that were covered by post-fire alder woods in the colonization process, as well as species survivorship and recolonisation, were estimated. Woodland species showed diverse migration paces among the sites; most of them migrated faster on more fertile sites with a higher humidity. Small patches of post-fire alder woods contributed to the recolonisation process since many woodland species in the herb layer survived the fire due to its high humidity, which inhibited the intensity of the forest fire. The recovery of woodland species in post-fire woods is the combined effect of regeneration, which relies on autochthonic propagules, and secondary succession, which is based on allochthonic propagules. Local depressions, which provide refuges for fire-sensitive, dispersal-limited species, contribute to their survivorship and thus to the successive recovery of herbaceous layers after a fire. © 2015, The Author(s).},

note = {2},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84896547167,

title = {Plant movements and climate warming: Intraspecific variation in growth responses to nonlocal soils},

author = { P. De Frenne and D.A. Coomes and A. De Schrijver and J. Staelens and J.M. Alexander and M. Bernhardt-Römermann and J. Brunet and O. Chabrerie and A. Chiarucci and J. den Ouden and R.L. Eckstein and B.J. Graae and R. Gruwez and R. Hédl and M. Hermy and A. Kolb and A. Mårell and S.M. Mullender and S.L. Olsen and A. Orczewska and G. Peterken and P. Petřík and J. Plue and W.D. Simonson and C.V. Tomescu and P. Vangansbeke and G. Verstraeten and L. Vesterdal and M. Wulf and K. Verheyen},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84896547167&doi=10.1111%2fnph.12672&partnerID=40&md5=a304bec9e2bbc82998cc49115583d5e0},

doi = {10.1111/nph.12672},

issn = {0028646X},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {New Phytologist},

volume = {202},

number = {2},

pages = {431-441},

publisher = {Blackwell Publishing Ltd},

abstract = {Most range shift predictions focus on the dispersal phase of the colonization process. Because moving populations experience increasingly dissimilar nonclimatic environmental conditions as they track climate warming, it is also critical to test how individuals originating from contrasting thermal environments can establish in nonlocal sites. We assess the intraspecific variation in growth responses to nonlocal soils by planting a widespread grass of deciduous forests (Milium effusum) into an experimental common garden using combinations of seeds and soil sampled in 22 sites across its distributional range, and reflecting movement scenarios of up to 1600 km. Furthermore, to determine temperature and forest-structural effects, the plants and soils were experimentally warmed and shaded. We found significantly positive effects of the difference between the temperature of the sites of seed and soil collection on growth and seedling emergence rates. Migrant plants might thus encounter increasingly favourable soil conditions while tracking the isotherms towards currently 'colder' soils. These effects persisted under experimental warming. Rising temperatures and light availability generally enhanced plant performance. Our results suggest that abiotic and biotic soil characteristics can shape climate change-driven plant movements by affecting growth of nonlocal migrants, a mechanism which should be integrated into predictions of future range shifts. © 2014 New Phytologist Trust.},

note = {27},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84890551018,

title = {Chemical composition of the leaves of Reynoutria japonica Houtt. and soil features in polluted areas},

author = { O. Rahmonov and A. Czylok and A. Orczewska and L. Majgier and T. Parusel},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84890551018&doi=10.2478%2fs11535-013-0267-9&partnerID=40&md5=f1e1b9f5648d9e1125d1112944fd82cd},

doi = {10.2478/s11535-013-0267-9},

issn = {1895104X},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Central European Journal of Biology},

volume = {9},

number = {3},

pages = {320-330},

abstract = {The study was conducted on six sites that are dominated by Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) and that vary in the level of industrialization and habitat transformation by humans. The aim of the research was to investigate the chemical-physical features of soil under a closed and dense canopy of R. japonica, the chemical composition of the R. japonica leaves, and to compare the content of certain elements in the soil-plant-soil system. The soil organic carbon (Corg) content varied from 1.38±0.004% to 8.2±0.047% and the maximum in leaves was 49.11±0.090%. The lowest levels of total nitrogen (Ntot) in soil were recorded on the heavily disturbed sites (till 0.227±0.021%). Soil pH varied greatly, ranging from acidic (pH=4.0) to neutral (pH=7.7). Heavy metal content differed significantly among the study sites. At all of the sites, both in the case of soil and plant leaves, Zn was a dominant element and its concentration ranged from 41.5 to 501.2 mg·kg-1 in soils and from 38.6 to 541.7 mg·kg-1 in leaves. Maximum accumulations of P (2103.3±15.3 mg·kg-1) and S (2571.7±17.6 mg·kg-1) were observed on the site that had been influenced by agricultural practices. The results obtained showed that R. japonica is able to accumulate high levels of heavy metals. © 2013 Versita Warsaw and Springer-Verlag Wien.},

note = {19},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84863650127,

title = {Soil acid phosphomonoesterase activity and phosphorus forms in ancient and post-agricultural black alder [Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.] woodlands},

author = { A. Orczewska and A. Piotrowska and J. Lemanowicz},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84863650127&doi=10.5586%2fasbp.2012.013&partnerID=40&md5=900c979c435a7c6bbc21b7e83370bd75},

doi = {10.5586/asbp.2012.013},

issn = {00016977},

year  = {2012},

date = {2012-01-01},

journal = {Acta Societatis Botanicorum Poloniae},

volume = {81},

number = {2},

pages = {81-86},

publisher = {Polish Botanical Society},

abstract = {Black alder, an N-fixing tree is considered to accelerate the availability of phosphorus in soils due to the increased production of phosphatase enzymes, which are responsible for the P release from the litter. Acid phosphatase activity plays a pivotal role in organic P mineralization in forest soils and in making P available to plants. In order to check whether Alnus glutinosa stimulates acid phosphomonoesterase (PHACID) activity, we compared enzyme activities, total P concentration (PTOT), plant-available P (PAVAIL), organic P (PORG) and inorganic P (P INORG), and organic matter content in 27 ancient and 27 post-agricultural alder woods (the latter ones representing different age classes: 11-20; 21-40 and 41-60 years) of soil samples taken from the litter and the mineral layers. Phosphomonoesterase activity, organic matter, P TOT, PINORG and PORG concentrations were significantly higher in ancient alder woods than in the soils of post-agricultural forests. Significant differences in the acid phosphatase activity, organic matter and PAVAIL concentration were noted between the litter and mineral layers within the same forest type. In recent stands the amount of organic matter and phosphatase activity increased significantly with the age of alder stands, although only in the mineral layer of their soils. Phosphomonoesterase activity, organic matter and PAVAIL content were higher in a litter layer and decreased significantly at a mineral depth of the soil. The acid phosphatase activity was significantly correlated with organic matter content in both ancient and recent stands. There was no significant relationship between PHACID activity and any P forms. © The Author(s) 2012 Published by Polish Botanical Society.},

note = {18},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-80655149216,

title = {Migration of herb layer species into the poorest post-agricultural pine woods adjacent to ancient pine forests},

author = { A. Orczewska and M. Fernes},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-80655149216&partnerID=40&md5=21811537c2e30637d2234a5debccec8d},

issn = {15052249},

year  = {2011},

date = {2011-01-01},

journal = {Polish Journal of Ecology},

volume = {59},

number = {1},

pages = {75-85},

abstract = {The recovery of species composition typical for ancient forests in recent woods is a very slow process and may last for decades or even centuries. It is enhanced only when postagricultural woods are adjacent to ancient ones. However, even in such a situation of the spatial contact of both forest types, colonization of recent woods by true forest species is a gradual process. According to studies focusing on the behaviour of individual species and their colonization rates into recent woods, it can be concluded that in more fertile habitats the migration process proceeds faster than on poorer sites. Thus, studies were conducted on light, acidic soils both in ancient and in adjoining post-agricultural ine woods (the Dicrano-Pinion Libb. 1933 alliance) and were focused on the process of the colonization of the herbaceous layer by woodland flora in recent woods. In eight transects 80 m in length perpendicular to the ancient/recent ecotone and consisting of 10 sample plots of 16 m 2 laid out at intervals of 4 m, the percentage cover of herb layer species was recorded. The migration rates (based on the occurrence of the farthest individual and on the occurrence of the maximum cover of a species) for 12 forest species were calculated. The mean migration rate for all species reached 0.54 m yr -1 when based on maximum cover and 0.67 m yr -1 when based on the farthest individual and appeared to be lower than those reported in investigations in more fertile and moister habitats. The migration rates for individual species ranged from 0 to 1.21 m yr -1 and were also lower than in more fertile, black alder woodlands. The migration pattern of Vaccinium myrtillus L., the most abundant species in pine woods, fits the model based on the establishment of isolated individuals. The cover of most woodland species increased with the increasing age of a recent wood. Herb layer recovery on such sites is slower than in the more productive, fertile habitats of broadleaved forests. The ancient and recent pine woods investigated here differed in herb layer species composition despite the secondary succession having lasted for over 50-60 years.},

note = {16},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-80655144483,

title = {The impact of beavers' (Castor fiber L.) lodges on vascular plant species diversity in forest landscape},

author = { A. Obidziński and A. Orczewska and P. Cieloszczyk},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-80655144483&partnerID=40&md5=87e1f93958edf14bbaec46f6a80b40de},

issn = {15052249},

year  = {2011},

date = {2011-01-01},

journal = {Polish Journal of Ecology},

volume = {59},

number = {1},

pages = {63-73},

abstract = {Beavers lodges represent specific, zoogenic habitats. Their flora show some distinctive features differentiating them from the species composition of the areas surrounding the lodges. Studies were conducted in the Romincka Forest, in north-eastern Poland. Although lodges and their surroundings did not differ in the total number of vascular plants recorded in their area, the 40 beavers lodges studied had a significantly higher mean species richness, however half of the total species cover compared with the lodges' surroundings. Species from the Lamiaceae, Polygonaceae and Asteraceae families were more often present in lodges rather than in their surroundings. Within the lodges there were more species tolerating disturbance (r strategy), more hemicryptophytes and therophytes, more species associated with eutrophic habitats and of neutral soil reaction. Aside from this, species from the Alnetea glutinosae, Bidentetea tripartiti, Scheutzerio-Caricetea, Artemisietea vulgaris, and Stellarietea mediae classes had a bigger share compared to lodges' surroundings. Finally, there were also more euhemerobic species recorded in that habitat. By contrast, the communities which surround the lodges had a higher representation of stresstolerant species (s strategy), typical for mesotrophic habitats with acidic soils and more mesohemerobous and urbanophobous species. The above mentioned tendencies allowed to conclude that beavers' lodges contribute to the increase in the diversity of habitats and subsequently may be regarded as an important factor influencing flora and vegetation biodiversity.},

note = {4},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-79951564595,

title = {Interregional variation in the floristic recovery of post-agricultural forests},

author = { P. De Frenne and L. Baeten and B.J. Graae and J. Brunet and M. Wulf and A. Orczewska and A. Kolb and I. Jansen and A. Jamoneau and H. Jacquemyn and M. Hermy and M. Diekmann and A. De Schrijver and M. De Sanctis and G. Decocq and S.A.O. Cousins and K. Verheyen},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79951564595&doi=10.1111%2fj.1365-2745.2010.01768.x&partnerID=40&md5=2f2262dc4fd711d25660474e080afcf3},

doi = {10.1111/j.1365-2745.2010.01768.x},

issn = {00220477},

year  = {2011},

date = {2011-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Ecology},

volume = {99},

number = {2},

pages = {600-609},

abstract = {Worldwide, the floristic composition of temperate forests bears the imprint of past land use for decades to centuries as forests regrow on agricultural land. Many species, however, display significant interregional variation in their ability to (re)colonize post-agricultural forests. This variation in colonization across regions and the underlying factors remain largely unexplored. We compiled data on 90 species and 812 species×study combinations from 18 studies across Europe that determined species' distribution patterns in ancient (i.e. continuously forested since the first available land use maps) and post-agricultural forests. The recovery rate (RR) of species in each landscape was quantified as the log-response ratio of the percentage occurrence in post-agricultural over ancient forest and related to the species-specific life-history traits and local (soil characteristics and light availability) and regional factors (landscape properties as habitat availability; time available for colonization; and climate). For the herb species, we demonstrate a strong (interactive) effect of species' life-history traits and forest habitat availability on the RR of post-agricultural forest. In graminoids, however, none of the investigated variables were significantly related to the RR. The better colonizing species that mainly belonged to the short-lived herbs group showed the largest interregional variability. Their recovery significantly increased with the amount of forest habitat within the landscape, whereas, surprisingly, the time available for colonization, climate, soil characteristics and light availability had no effect. Synthesis. By analysing 18 independent studies across Europe, we clearly showed for the first time on a continental scale that the recovery of short-lived forest herbs increased with the forest habitat availability in the landscape. Small perennial forest herbs, however, were generally unsuccessful in colonizing post-agricultural forest - even in relatively densely forested landscapes. Hence, our results stress the need to avoid ancient forest clearance to preserve the typical woodland flora. © 2010 The Authors. Journal of Ecology © 2010 British Ecological Society.},

note = {89},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-77955669771,

title = {Colonization capacity of herb woodland species in fertile, recent alder woods adjacent to ancient forest sites},

author = { A. Orczewska},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-77955669771&partnerID=40&md5=56619b3a63e8e1c061d398bd59b03563},

issn = {15052249},

year  = {2010},

date = {2010-01-01},

journal = {Polish Journal of Ecology},

volume = {58},

number = {2},

pages = {297-310},

abstract = {The herb layer recovery in post-agricultural woods adjacent to ancient forests has not yet been studied for the wettest European woodlands, like those with black alders (Alnus glutinosa L. (Gaertn.)). Therefore, the studies aimed at: I. checking which herbs from the Polish list of ancient woodland species that are present in the alder woods show an association with these woods (AAWS=Ancient Alder Woodland Species); II. presenting their ecological profile (spectra of life forms; life strategies; dispersal modes; phytosociological affinity; and Ellenberg indicator values), and III. comparing the dispersal potential and other traits of species recorded more often in ancient woods (AAWS) vs the Polish ancient woodland indicators frequently present in ancient and recent alder woods (OAWS = Other Ancient Woodland Species). The survey was carried out in Alnus glutinosa-dominated woodlands, located in south-western Poland. The study sites are located within large forest complexes, where they occupy either periodically waterlogged sites or other places with a high level of groundwater. In the case of ancient woods, wet types of an oak-hornbeam community (Tilio-Carpinetum Tracz. 1962 or Galio-Carpinetum Oberd. 1957) (11 sites), alder-ash carrs (Fraxino-Alnetum W Mat. 1952) (12 sites) and typical wet alder woods (Ribeso nigri-Alnetum Sol.-Górn. (1975) 1987) (10 sites) were investigated. The ancient woodland sites varied in size from 0.73 ha to 15.54 ha. Recent woods, adjacent to these sites, included black alder stands planted on former meadows. The area of their patches ranged from 0.72 ha to 8.6 ha. Post-agricultural woods represented the following age classes: up to 10 years, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, and 41-50 years. The process of colonization of recent woods by woodland flora was investigated in 33 transects, approximately 80 m in length by 4 m in width, consisting of 10-12 quadrates, 16 m2 each, laid out at intervals of 4 m, perpendicularly across the ancient-recent border. In total 131 quadrates in the ancient wood, 198 in the recent woodland, and 34 in the ecotone zone were investigated. The migration rates (m yr -1) based on the occurrence of the farthest individuals, were calculated for over 50 woodland species. The original lists of species obtained from the transects were completed after detailed inspections of the whole area of adjacent forest sectors where the studies on the colonization process were undertaken. Then, the frequency of herb layer species in ancient and recent woods was compared (Fisher exact probability test). The mean migration rates of species from the AAWS and OAWS groups were calculated. Although 62 herbs from the group of ancient woodland indicators for Poland were recorded in the course of the studies, only 21 of them occurred significantly more often in alder woods. The mean migration rate for herbs from AAWS was significantly lower (0.68 m yr-1) than in the case of the OAWS group (1.54 m yr-1). This indicates that true woodland herbs differ distinctively in their dispersal potential. Species from those two sets also showed some differences in their ecological requirements. Such results allow a conclusion to be reached that in wet and fertile recent forests adjacent to ancient source woods, recolonization of the herbaceous layer by typical woodland flora proceeds faster than in other, less fertile and drier habitats. This in turn explains why many true woodland species do not occur in ancient woodland sites exclusively. They are often recorded in recent woods, as they are able to colonize such sites reasonably fast.},

note = {14},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-77955706335,

title = {Age and origin of forests in south-western Poland and their importance for ecological studies in man-dominated landscapes},

author = { A. Orczewska},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-77955706335&doi=10.1080%2f01426390903184579&partnerID=40&md5=742d0a8d56818d0dfb6889aecc1e58f7},

doi = {10.1080/01426390903184579},

issn = {01426397},

year  = {2009},

date = {2009-01-01},

journal = {Landscape Research},

volume = {34},

number = {5},

pages = {599-617},

abstract = {The aim of the research was to describe the former and current distribution of forests from the first topographical map available, dated 1780, until the end of the twentieth century, in two geographical regions in south-western Poland, and to present those changes as graphs. Forests differing in their continuity in the landscape, namely ancient and recent, were identified and their area and percentage share among other land use forms present in the landscape were calculated. In both regions, the proportion of forested land exceeds the average for the whole country, since the latter reached 28.8% in 2005, whereas in the study areas they were 33.7% and 41.2%. In both situations, ancient forests predominate (76.7% and 70.1%; respectively). Maps representing the history of forests may be useful in environmental studies, focusing on floral diversity, water table changes and landscape transformations, but also in afforestation strategies and conservation plans. © 2009 Landscape Research Group Ltd.},

note = {19},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-67650001588,

title = {The impact of former agriculture on habitat conditions and distribution patterns of ancient woodland plant species in recent black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) woods in south-western Poland},

author = { A. Orczewska},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-67650001588&doi=10.1016%2fj.foreco.2009.05.021&partnerID=40&md5=6fa1cdef451765c8f59c61cc1bd711e4},

doi = {10.1016/j.foreco.2009.05.021},

issn = {03781127},

year  = {2009},

date = {2009-01-01},

journal = {Forest Ecology and Management},

volume = {258},

number = {5},

pages = {794-803},

abstract = {Little is known about the influence of former agricultural use of soils on the forest recovery process in post-agricultural black alder (Alnus glutinosa) woods - the most fertile and the wettest forest habitats among the European temperate forest types. Thus, studies focusing on edaphic, hydrological and light conditions responsible for colonization mechanisms present in such woodlands adjoining ancient ones were undertaken in south-western Poland. In the 16 m2 quadrats of the 33 transects laid out perpendicularly across the ancient-recent forest boundary, data were collected on herb layer composition, chemical soil properties, as well as illumination level. Additionally, groundwater level in the spring months was recorded in piezometers. The number and cover of true woodland herbs were higher in ancient woods, regardless of forest type. Soils in ancient woodlands reached higher levels of Al3+, K+, cation exchange capacity (CEC), available K, P, and organic C, whereas their pH was lower. The illumination level of the forest floor was greater in recent woods. Linear regression showed that recent wood age had a negative effect on pH and base cations, but positive on Fe2+, Ca2+, available P and Mg, CEC, and on C and N contents. CCA results showed that woodland age, pH, humus type, groundwater level, available Mg and K were always among those variables having the highest contribution in explaining the distribution pattern of woodland species in recent woods. Total N and available P contents were always higher in ancient woodland soils than in recent, and their content grew with time. Thus, they cannot be treated as indicators of former agricultural use of recent alder wood soils. Urtica dioica, Poa trivialis and Galium aparine, the three competitive herbs, avoided sites with a high level of groundwater, combined with poor illumination level. In order to create the best possible conditions allowing for effective forest recovery in habitats of such high fertility, it is essential to maintain a good water regime and shade in the forest floor. This in turn reduces the competitive exclusion of woodland flora by the aggressive herbs and facilitates the immigration of typical woodland herbs. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.},

note = {26},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-70349884099,

title = {Migration of herbaceous woodland flora into post-agricultural black alder woods planted on wet and fertile habitats in south western Poland},

author = { A. Orczewska},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-70349884099&doi=10.1007%2fs11258-008-9570-3&partnerID=40&md5=2ba73ad5858e529d2462e91f258c4049},

doi = {10.1007/s11258-008-9570-3},

issn = {13850237},

year  = {2009},

date = {2009-01-01},

journal = {Plant Ecology},

volume = {204},

number = {1},

pages = {83-96},

abstract = {Because post-agricultural black alder woods have not been the subject of studies on forest recovery, the aim of the research was to investigate the process of colonization of their herb layer by woodland flora. Migration rates of 51 forest plant species in the herb layer of alder woods planted on abandoned meadows, bordering meso- and eutrophic forests, were studied. Mean migration rates calculated for typical wet alderwoods reached 1.20-1.60 m yr-1, for oak-hornbeam forests 1.17-1.63 m yr-1, and for alder-ash carrs 0.79-1.26 m yr-1, exceeding those reported in studies conducted in less fertile, drier sites. Although migration rates for many species exceeded 2 or 3 m, there was a group of slow colonizing species, mainly ancient woodland indicators. Species migration patterns fitted either the model based on the establishment of isolated individuals, or the model of a wave front. The age of the recent forests and the presence of Urtica dioica in their herb layer are the main factors explaining the species composition in post-agricultural black alder woods. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2009.},

note = {21},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-26844547884,

title = {Floristic analysis of the two woodland-meadow ecotones differing in orientation of the forest edge},

author = { A. Orczewska and A. Glista},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-26844547884&partnerID=40&md5=75eeaf15635fe35dadd36c83896bfc21},

issn = {15052249},

year  = {2005},

date = {2005-01-01},

journal = {Polish Journal of Ecology},

volume = {53},

number = {3},

pages = {365-382},

abstract = {Studies on the transition zones between plant communities using the statistical method by Matuszkiewicz, have been predominantly conducted in forest communities or in ecotones between wetland and meadow communities. Although boundaries between forest and meadow (as a result of human pressure on the landscape; namely forest fragmentation) are of ecological interest, no previous attempts have been made to estimate the width of such ecotones using Matuszkiewicz's approach. We applied the method in the studies on floristic changes across two, woodland-meadow ecotones (Arrhenatheretum elatioris/Tilio cordatae-Carpinetum betuli typicum and Scirpetum sylvatici/Tilio cordatae-Carpinetum betuli corydaletosum communities), located at forest edges differing in their orientation. The aim of the research was to estimate the width and character of those ecotones and to investigate whether the possible differences in vegetation are related to the prevailing aspect (orientation) of the woodland edge. To characterise the floristic composition of the two adjacent communities, the method of Greig-Smith's square (16 quadrats of 4 m2 each) was chosen. To determine the floristic changes across each ecotone, transects 38 m in length and formed of 2 x 2 m quadrats were set perpendicularly to the woodland-meadow boundary. Diagnostic species for the main communities were determined and their incidence along the transect was observed. Differences in species composition that were observed along the transects allowed us to distinguish three contrasting sectors. The first one represents typical meadow communities, the second sector represents a typical ecotone, and the third one contains typical woodland communities. Our results showed that the width of the ecotones differed depending on the orientation of the woodland edge. In the transect between Arrhenatheretum elatioris and Tilio cordatae-Carpinetum betuli typicum communities, situated on a SE-oriented forest edge, it was estimated at 10 m, whereas in the second transect, the transition zone between the Scirpetum sylvatici and Tilio cordatae-Carpinetum betuli corydaletosum was narrower, reaching 6 m. This was located on a NW-oriented woodland edge. Our observations confirm the results of many other studies, which show that transition zones between woodland and meadow are wider on edges that receive more light, than in north-facing ones. The differences in the size of the transition zone at the two study sites are clear despite the fact that the two types of meadow communities differed in the number of mowing cycles per season. The Arrhenatheretum elatioris community is mown twice a year, and its ecotone with the woodland is wider than in the case of the Scirpetum sylvatici community. The latter is mown only once in the vegetation season but its transition zone remains 4 m narrower than in the first situation. It seemed that the increase in vegetation management (two mowing cycles instead of one) did not contribute to the reduced width of the ecotone. When looking at the distribution of species representing different syntaxonomic groups, in both transects, no meadow plants from the Molinio-Arrhenatheretea class or other species of open habitats were recorded deeper than 6 m into the woodland interior. On the other hand, forest species from the Querco-Fagetea class were found much further into the area of meadow. Thus, no strong pressure of meadow communites on woods was recorded, but the opposite situation, where forest species extended into the meadow area, took place. Such a tendency was observed regardless of the aspect of the woodland edge. Differences in physiological amplitude of species allowed us to distinguish, after Ranney et al. (1981), a group of: meadow-oriented species, which neither occurred in ecotone nor woodland, strongly edge-oriented species, and strongly forest interior-oriented species, avoiding the ecotones and meadows. A group of species present along the whole transect (ubiquitous) was very poorly represented. Contact zones between woodlands and meadows observed in the course of our studies and statistical analysis, give support to the model of a discontinuum. In both ecotones studied, the edge effect was recorded; in transect 1 it can be described as a 'double edge effect' (variable = species richness; has both maximum and minimum in the ecotone close together); negative on the meadow side and positive on the woodland side of the ecotone, and at the second study site as the 'positive edge effect'.},

note = {15},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-8644275376,

title = {The influence of Salix acutifolia willd. On soil formation in sandy areas},

author = { O. Rahmonov and I. Malik and A. Orczewska},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-8644275376&partnerID=40&md5=c6db7c558061e97b8d8c0e9c8763a6bb},

issn = {00792985},

year  = {2004},

date = {2004-01-01},

journal = {Polish Journal of Soil Science},

volume = {37},

number = {1},

pages = {77-84},

abstract = {As a pioneer species of R life strategy Salix acutifolia is an early coloniser, promoting the formation of soil in sandy areas. Initially, the area around the base of S. acutifolia is colonised by cryptogams. Then, soil formation takes place as S. acutifolia grows and the canopy develops. As a broadleaved species, S. acutifolia produces a lot of biomass. Good habitat conditions are created for the development of micro-organisms accelerating the process of leaf decomposition and humus formation. This encourages the subsequent entry and growth of vascular herbs under the canopy of S. acutifolia, which hasten the process of soil and plant succession. After 5 years, a large number of Pinus sylvestris seedlings develop under the S. acutifolia canopy. P. sylvestris outcompetes S. acutifolia for nutrients and eventually eliminates S. acutifolia from the site by contributing to soil acidification. P. sylvestris then becomes the dominant influence on the physico-chemical properties of the soil.},

note = {5},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85039552864,

title = {Isolated forest remnants as refugia of ancient woodland flora},

author = { A. Orczewska},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85039552864&partnerID=40&md5=0dd853dde14949d6b6d027ea4e48f8c8},

issn = {16447298},

year  = {2004},

date = {2004-01-01},

journal = {Ecological Questions},

volume = {4},

pages = {91-98},

publisher = {Nicolaus Copernicus University},

abstract = {The study was carried out on stenotopic woodland flora, particularly on species regarded as ancient woodland indicators for Poland, in 14 isolated ancient woods in the agricultural landscape of the Ghibczyce Plateau, southern Poland. Species displaying an affinity to I - natural, or II - transformed communities were listed and their ecological profiles presented. Human pressure leads to undesirable changes in floristic composition of the herb layer, resulting in deterioration of the ecosystem. Stenotopic woodland flora survive in fragments of ancient woods that are free from heavy disturbance.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-53649086677,

title = {Vegetation communities of woodlands on the Głubczyce Plateau (Southern Poland) [Zbiorowiska roślinne lasów Płaskowyżu Głubczyckiego]},

author = { A. Orczewska},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-53649086677&partnerID=40&md5=3670e8c4feb04bb9daf1ae20da998352},

issn = {1640629X},

year  = {2003},

date = {2003-01-01},

journal = {Fragmenta Floristica et Geobotanica Polonica},

volume = {10},

pages = {131-173},

abstract = {On the basis of 325 relev-aces made using the Braun-Blanquet method, vegetation communities of 14 isolated woodlands, differing in size, shape and topography, situated on the Glubczyce Plateau, were described. As a result of numerical classification (Mulva-4) 20 groups of communities were distinguished. Although none of the woods is protected and they are all selectively managed, nine communities were of a natural character. These belong to the Alnetea glutinosae R. Tx. 1937 and Querco-Fagetea Br.-Bl. et Vlieg. 1937 classes. Another II were either degenerate or represented secondary communities of the Tilio cordatae-Carpinetum betuli association. These transformations most probably resulted from inappropriate forest management: clear felling, selective cutting, and the introduction of pine and spruce into the habitat of broadleaved communities. Edge effect, significant because of the isolated and fragmented character of the woodlands, contributed to the high proportion of non-forest species in the vegetation.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}