Courses : Forest Ecology Lecturer : Bella Ariana Semester : 4thSemester, 2022/2023 Session Forest Succession The process of gradual changes in plant and animal communities that occur over time in places that were previously forestless or after environmental disturbances or perturbations that change the plant and animal composition there. The term forest succession is used to describe this process. Changes in the structure, composition and biodiversity of forest ecosystems are caused by forest succession processes. Forest succession can occur as a result of natural disasters such as forest fires, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions, or as a result of human activities such as deforestation or restoration of land that was once used for mining. The first plants that were able to adapt to the new conditions started the process of succession. These plants are referred to as predecessors or early colonizers. Pioneer plants over time provide a better environment for other plants to thrive. Pioneer plants that tend to grow fast and have a short life span predominate in the early stages of forest succession. Slower and more durable intermediate plants will replace these pioneer plants. The presence of mature vegetation forms a mature, complex forest with distinct plant layer structures and a high degree of biodiversity, indicating the final stages of forest succession. Forest succession is very important to restore disturbed ecosystems and restore natural balance. Factors such as climatic conditions, soil type, and interactions between plants and animals determine the duration of the forest succession process. Effective forest succession management can maintain the sustainability of forest ecosystems and accelerate the recovery of disturbed forests. Forest succession has many significant consequences besides restoration and repatriation of disturbed ecosystems, such as: 1. Change in species composition: Forest succession changes the species composition of plants and animals. Species that are more durable and better suited to mature environmental conditions will displace the initial dominant species. This increases biodiversity and impacts the interactions between organisms in ecosystems. Following are some examples of changes in species composition as part of forest succession: • Change from dominance of pioneer plants to intermediate and mature plants • Changes in species dominance • Changes in species diversity • Changes in the species composition of plants and animals 2. Changes in ecosystem structure: As a result of the entry of forests, ecosystem structures such as the canopy, middle layer and bottom layer also change. In the early stages of succession, the canopy layer may not be fully formed and the understorey may have little vegetation. However, the canopy layers will become denser over time, and the lower layers will have higher diversity. Following are some examples of changes in ecosystem structure as part of forest succession: • Changes in the canopy layers • Changes in the middle layer • Changes in the bottom layer • Changes in microhabitat structure 3. Changes in nutrient cycles: Forest succession also affects the nutrient cycles of the ecosystem as a whole. Intermediate and mature plants have deeper and more efficient root systems, while pioneer plants have shallow and inefficient root systems. This has an impact on the availability of nutrients for other ecosystem organisms. Here are some examples of changes in nutrient cycles as part of ecosystem changes: • Changes in the circulation of nutrients through the plant • Changes in the decomposition of organic matter • Changes in the nitrogen cycle • Changes in water circulation and the phosphorus cycle 4. Effects on fauna: Forest succession significantly affects the presence and diversity of fauna. Animal food, habitat and shelter are affected by changes in plant composition and structure. While some animal species are more closely related to certain stages of succession, others can adjust to changes. The following are some examples of the effect of ecosystem change on fauna: • Habitat change • Changes in resource availability • Changes in migration patterns • Changes in predator-prey interactions 5. Role in climate change mitigation: Mature forests have great potential to store carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Mature forest plants have the ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in soil and biomass. Here are some examples of the role of forests in mitigating climate change: • Carbon storage • Oxygen production • Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions • Water cycle regulation In conclusion, Forests are very important for maintaining the balance of ecosystems, biodiversity, and mitigating climate change. Forest sustainability and overall ecological balance can be significantly affected by a variety of ecosystem changes, including changes in ecosystem structure, species composition, nutrient cycling, impacts on fauna, and the role in climate change mitigation. To maintain forest sustainability and reduce the impact of climate change, conservation and sustainable forest management are very important. This includes conserving biodiversity, regulating wise land use, reducing deforestation, restoring damaged forests, and raising public awareness of the importance of preserving forests. We can protect flora and fauna habitats, maintain a balanced nutrient cycle, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and maintain global climate balance by maintaining forest sustainability. In addition, sustainable forest management can benefit local communities from social, cultural and economic perspectives. In short, sustainable protection, management and restoration of forests is essential for maintaining ecosystem sustainability, biodiversity and mitigating climate change. To protect and preserve forests, which are important assets for the Earth and future generations, cooperation from various parties is required, including the government, communities and international institutions.