J. Jantunen et al., Effects of forest management on field layer vegetation: A comparison between Finnish and Russian karelia, SC J FOR R, 16(5), 2001, pp. 442-449
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.