Secondary Succession in Forest Ecosystems
A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Forest Ecology and Management".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 51
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Secondary succession describes the natural regeneration of forests after disturbances that leave soil and propagules intact, such as fire, windthrow, or agricultural abandonment. Unlike primary succession, it builds on residual seed banks, soil biota, and surviving organisms, which accelerate ecosystem recovery. Early stages are dominated by pioneer plants that modify light and nutrient conditions, facilitating the establishment of shade-tolerant and late-successional species. Over time, processes such as litter accumulation, soil microbial reorganization, and dispersal by animals promote structural and compositional complexity.
Secondary succession is shaped by the frequency and intensity of disturbances, which determine whether ecosystems stabilize in early stages or recover toward pre-disturbance conditions. Understanding these dynamics is critical for forest management, restoration, and biodiversity conservation, particularly under global change pressures.
Dr. Peter Čuchta
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- secondary succession
- forest ecosystems
- disturbance ecology
- vegetation dynamics
- biodiversity recovery
- forest restoration
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