Effects of forest management on field layer vegetation: A comparison between Finnish and Russian karelia

The effects of forest management on the field layer vegetation were compare d between Finnish and Russian Karelia in a total of 46 mature stands repres enting pine, spruce and deciduous forests. In Finland, the number of specie s was slightly higher in each forest type. Many grassland species, such as Galium boreale, Lathyrus pratensis. and Veronica officinalis, were more abu ndant in Finnish deciduous stands (14.4 species, mean cover 15.8%) than in Russian stands (9.6 species, mean cover 11.5%). Dwarf shrubs. such as Callu na vulgaris (mean cover: Fin 3.3%. Rus 7.7%) and Vaccinium vitis-idaea (Fin 25.0%, Rus 26.9%) in pine stands, and Vaecinium myrtillus (Fin 22.9%, Rus 31.5%) in spruce stands, were more abundant in Russia. Ferns and graminoids exhibited no differences between the two countries. The observed differenc es were likely to result from the lower tree stand density, more extensive fragmentation and fertilisation of forests in Finland. the higher frequency of forest fires and more intensive grazing in Russian forests. and from di fferences in natural conditions between Finnish and Russian Karelia.