Description
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of
different slash management practices on understory
biodiversity and biomass in Eucalyptus globulus coppices
in Central Portugal. The experiment consisted of four
treatments: (a) removal of slash (R), (b) broadcast over
the soil (S), (c) as in S but concentrating woody residues
between tree rows (W) and (d) incorporation of slash
into soil by harrowing (I). Understory vegetation was
surveyed during 1–6, 9, and 10 years, the proportion of
soil cover by plant species estimated, and diversity and
equitability indexes determined. Above ground understory
biomass was sampled in years 2–6, 9, and 10. The
highest number of species in most years occurred in plots
where slash was removed. Differences between treatments
in the proportion of plant soil cover were never
significant, whereas differences in diversity index were
only occasionally significant and apparently related to
the number of species. Thus, differences in the equitability
index were not significant. Understory biomass did
not decrease during the rotation period, and was usually
highest in R and I, and lowest in S, but not significantly
different. At the end of the rotation period, understory
biodiversity indices and biomass were apparently independent
of slash treatment.
; Carneiro, M. 
