A quantitative comparison of the structural complexity of managed, lately unmanaged and primary European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests

The high structural heterogeneity of primary forests is assumed to positively affect various ecosystem traits and functions, e.g. biodiversity, resilience and adaptability. Against this background, old-growth forest structures are emulated in many managed forests. To properly emulate such structures, quantitative reference values are required, through which primary forests are characterized. In this study, we used the stand structural complexity index (SSCI), derived from terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), to characterize and compare the structures in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) dominated forests along a management gradient, ranging from differently managed stands, over formerly managed but now unmanaged stands to primary forests, which have never been managed. The study objective was to quantify and compare the structural complexity of these forests to give insight into possible reference points for an improved prospective handling of managed forests. The highest stand structural complexity was found in primary forests. While there were no significant structural differences between the managed forests, they were more complex in structure than formerly managed forests that have been set aside as National Parks now. The results also showed that structural complexity significantly differed between the investigated stand age classes. Next to primary forests, thickets growing below sheltering overstory trees in managed forests resulted in high structural complexity values. The findings suggest that specific silvicultural management practices can increase the structural complexity in beech forests. This study may facilitate a ‘management for complexity’ in silvicultural practice and might lead the way towards a more precise promotion of three dimensional forest structures that are associated with specific forest functions as part of the stand management objectives.