Effects of forest roads on vegetation biodiversity and soil characteristics in Hyrcanian forests

Forest roads significantly impact vegetation biodiversity and soil characteristics in the Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran, with effects extending up to 45 meters from the road edge. The study found that harvesting activities led to a reduction in tree, herbaceous species, and lichen regeneration, while soil physical and chemical properties remained largely unaffected. However, distance from the road correlated with increased diversity and richness of vegetation and most soil characteristics (except carbon content). Notably, soil properties showed a strong relationship with tree and herbaceous regeneration, suggesting that roadside buffers play a critical role in mitigating these impacts. These findings underscore the broader influence of forest roads on ecosystem dynamics within UNESCO-listed Hyrcanian forests.

Arjmand, A., Kiadaliri, H., Kazemnezhad, F., & Eshagh Nimvari, M. (2023). Effects of forest roads on vegetation biodiversity and soil characteristics in Hyrcanian forests. Nordic Journal of Botany, 2023(12). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/njb.04039