Seven Decades of Spontaneous Forest Regeneration after Large-Scale Clear-Cutting in Białowieża Forest do not Ensure the Complete Recovery of Collembolan Assemblages

Despite seven decades of spontaneous forest regeneration following large-scale clear-cutting, collembolan assemblages in Białowieża Forest do not fully recover to resemble those in old-growth forests. This study reveals that naturally regenerated stands exhibit significantly lower species diversity and a distinct life-form structure compared to undisturbed reference forests. The functional group shifts suggest that while litter decomposition processes are partially restored, deeper soil layer activities remain impaired. Researchers analyzed 18 plots across mixed broad-leaved forests using taxonomic and life-form approaches to assess the long-term impacts of anthropogenic disturbance on these critical soil microarthropods.

Sławski, M., & Sławska, M. (2019). Seven Decades of Spontaneous Forest Regeneration after Large-Scale Clear-Cutting in Białowieża Forest do not Ensure the Complete Recovery of Collembolan Assemblages. Forests, 10(11), 948. https://doi.org/10.3390/f10110948