project A3

The impact of edge effects on plant and invertebrate communities in a tree diversity gradient

This subproject is dealing with the effect of tree species diversity on multitrophic interactions in temperate deciduous forests. We want to investigate the impact of differently divers beech forests (Fagus sylvatica) on the composition of plant and arthropod communities. The main question is whether this impact changes with increasing distance to the forest edge:

1. How far do edge effects reach into the forest interior - Which size must forests have to harbor a core zone?
2. Is this edge effect influenced by tree species diversity?

For this purpose 12 transects of 500m length were set up. Each with measuring points differently distant from the respective forest edge. There we examine, inter alia, arthropod diversity and plant diversity of the herb layer.
The field work is taking place in Hainich National park in Thuringia. Due to its naturalness and as largest deciduous forest in Germany with forest stands differently rich in tree species it is perfectly suitable for our research project.


Methods

• Vegetation surveys of tree and herb layer

• Pitfall traps for collecting ground beetles (Carabidae), spiders (Araneae) and rove beetles (Staphylinidae)

• Flight interception traps (canopy and understorey)

• Fisheye photography

• Survey of forest structural diversity

• Snail survey

• Soil samples