Ecosystem and Vegetation Response to Hemlock Logging in Southern New England 1999-2005

This study compares the magnitude and trajectory of vegetation and ecosystem function dynamics associated with the direct impact of hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsuga; HWA) infestation versus the indirect consequences of HWA-induced damage in the form of salvage and pre-emptive logging of hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carriere) forests. The study was conducted within an area extending from southern Connecticut up to and including the Connecticut River lowlands west to the Berkshire Plateauin central Massachusetts, USA. Overstory and understory vegetation and ecosystem function parameters such as decomposition and nitrogen cycling were examined in logged and unlogged portions of 10 hemlock stands varying in HWA damage intensity.

本研究对比了铁杉球蚜（hemlock woolly adelgid，Adelges tsuga；HWA）侵染的直接影响，与以加拿大铁杉（Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carriere）林的补救采伐和预防性采伐为表现形式的HWA诱导损害的间接后果，二者相关的植被与生态系统功能动态的规模及变化轨迹。本研究的实施区域范围为：从美国康涅狄格州南部向北延伸至康涅狄格河低地，并向西抵达马萨诸塞州中部的伯克希尔高原。研究人员在10个受HWA危害程度各异的铁杉林分的采伐与未采伐区域中，对林冠层、林下层植被以及分解作用、氮循环等生态系统功能参数开展了调查测定。