Conflicting edge influence on herbaceous species in open areas vs. underneath oak trees in forest fragments in Iran

Abstract

Since the type of forest influences vegetation patterns from the edge-to-interior forest, site-specific edge studies are needed but there have been few studies in open-canopied forests such as oak savannahs. Our objective was to compare patterns of herbaceous plant diversity along the forest edge-to-interior gradient between open areas and underneath oak trees in the Zagros Forest in Iran. We established eighteen transects from the forest edge to the interior in small and large forest fragments to sample herbaceous species in five 0.25 m² quadrats at 1 m intervals from the base of the tree to the open area at different distances from the forest edge. We analyzed the data using randomization tests for edge influence and generalized linear mixed models. Edge influence had a positive effect on herbaceous species richness and diversity underneath oak trees but a negative effect in open areas. At forest edges, species richness and diversity significantly decreased from the tree base toward open areas, but exhibited the opposite pattern away from the edge. Edge influence extended up to 50 m from the forest edge to the interior. Our findings highlight the importance of considering forest type and stand heterogeneity when studying edge influence on plant diversity. Our results show that edge studies are needed for specific forest types, particularly in heterogeneous landscapes, to ensure appropriate conservation of species diversity. We recommend establishing a 50-m buffer zone along edges in the Zagros Forest in Iran to minimize negative edge influence on herbaceous plant diversity.