Indices of stand structural diversity

Abstract

Structural diversity is a good indicator of biodiversity and can be easily modified by silvicultural treatments, so it is a basic element on sustainable forest management. A revision about the analysis of the structural diversity in forests is carried out. There are two approaches to study the structural diversity in a forest: static and dynamic. Firstly the main indices that described the structure characteristics as a static point of view are described and discussed. Three structure characteristics of a stand are considered: spatial distribution, mixture and differentiation. Secondly, indices that describe the structural diversity as a whole are also analysed. These last indices include generally a component of dead wood. Finally, reported dynamic analyses are reviewed. The dynamic analysis is usually made through the study of the static indices development along the time. Three kind methodologies can be used: temporal plots located in stands of different phases of development, permanent plots, and growth models that simulate the stand structure.