Grazing history affects the tree-line ecotone : a case study from Hardanger, Western Norway

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)



Description :
This study compares the tree and ground cover of 2 localities having different grazing histories in the tree-line ecotone of Western Norway. Data from the sampling of trees, saplings, seedlings and ground cover, tree age determinations, aerial photographs, interviews and literature research are used. The results show differences in the structure of the tree-line ecotone with regard to tree-age, height, circumference and the structure of the understory. Ground cover differs in species composition, mainly with regard to light preferences. Together, the differences stress the importance of site history consideration in order to understand changes in the tree-line ecotone, because dissimilar site histories may create differing local responses to future global and regional climatic changes.


Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Fennia (Helsinki. 1889), issn : 0015-0010, 2009, vol. 187, n°. 2, p. 81-98, nombre de pages : 18, Références bibliographiques : 3,5 p.

Date :
2009

Editeur :
Pays édition : Finlande, Helsinki, Societas Geographica Fenniae