Changes in Ground Cover Layers, Biomass and Diversity of Vascular Plants/Mosses in the Clear-Cuts Followed by Reforested Scots Pine until Maturity Age

The distribution of Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) forests, particularly the Vaccinio myrtillo-Pinetum type, is determined by edaphic conditions, and although clear-cutting is used to promote regeneration, it remains controversial. This study evaluated the changes in non-living (forest floor and dead wood) and living (mosses, herbs, and dwarf shrubs) ground cover in clear-cut areas and reforested Scots pine stands. Continuous ground cover studies were conducted in clear-cuts, with samples collected over three years after clear-cutting, while data from 8–80-year-old and mature Scots pine stands were collected using the chronological series method with a consistent methodology in temporary plots. The research has shown that, as ecosystem recovery progresses, similarity to the mature forest increases, and a threshold stand age has been identified, beyond which the ecological changes induced by clear-cutting diminish. The study findings demonstrated that clear-cutting in Pinetum vaccinio-myrtillosum -type forest stands lead to a rapid increase in herb and dwarf shrub cover due to reduced competition for light and nutrients. However, clear-cutting caused a significant decline in forest-specific species and a drastic reduction in forest floor and dead wood mass, with a gradual recovery of moss cover over 10–30 years. These findings highlight the importance of managing clear-cutting practices to balance immediate vegetative responses with long-term ecosystem stability and biodiversity conservation.