Changes in Understory Plant Populations after Clearcutting in Scots Pine-Dominated Forests ^†

Clearcutting causes significant changes in boreal forest ecosystems and has long-term effects on populations of understory plants. The aim of our study was to determine the impact of clearcutting on understory moss and vascular plant populations after clearcutting. The species diversity of particular populations in mature stands before cutting and after one year was determined. Our results corroborated changes in coverage, frequency, and prominence value of predominant Ericaceae plants. We determined the different response of Vaccinium vitis-idaea L., V. myrtillus L. and Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull. Plant species that are particularly sensitive to clearcutting have been identified. Assessing the viability of moss populations in mature forest stands and deforested areas showed that moss species are most sensitive to environmental changes after clearcutting. These investigations could justify the conservation of sensitive forest plant populations and nonwood forest resources.