Effect of location on plant species richness and diversity in Aspen (<i>Populus tremuloides</i>) understory: edge vs. inner forest habitat

Abstract

Ecological theory holds that edge effects influence species composition and diversity along both anthropogenic and natural forest edges. These ecotonal zones provide abundant microhabitats and opportunity for increased biodiversity. Abiotic factors such as temperature, soil moisture and soil water-holding capacity often create edge environments conducive to a variety of life. This study examines whether plant understory diversity decreases with distance from the edge of Populus tremuloides stands. I inventoried diversity within 5/ 1m2 quadrats along five 40m transects perpendicular to the forest edge at three sites in Colorado’s East River Valley near the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. Air temperature near ground level, soil moisture, and soil water holding capacity were also measured. Diversity and richness were not higher at the forest edge. However, species composition differed significantly between the forest and the edge and meadow habitats. The most abundant forest species were not found in the meadow habitat, and vice versa. Species composition was similar between the edge and the meadow, suggesting that aspen stands are expanding into the meadow habitat. There was a trend in soil moisture and water holding capacity being higher at the edge than in adjacent habitats. This study is important in understanding the progress and consequences of shifting habitat ranges in a unique and biodiverse system.

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