Optimizing forest structure for sustainability: a review of structure-based management effects on stand quality

Area of Science:

• Forestry and Silviculture
• Ecology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Structure-based forest management (SBFM) is an innovative silvicultural approach.
• It optimizes tree spatial arrangement to emulate natural forest structures and promote sustainability.
• A comprehensive synthesis of SBFM's impacts and mechanisms is currently lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize existing research on the multidimensional effects of SBFM.
• To evaluate impacts on forest stand growth, structure, soil properties, and stability.
• To identify underlying mechanisms driving these changes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 126 peer-reviewed studies published between 2007 and 2025.
• Analysis of evidence on SBFM's effects on forest ecosystems.
• Synthesis of findings related to stand quality, soil properties, and stability.

Main Results:

• SBFM enhances tree growth by reducing competition.
• It improves diameter distribution and species mingling, approximating natural patterns.
• SBFM enriches soil carbon and nutrients via increased litter and microbial activity, fostering ecosystem resilience.

Conclusions:

• SBFM significantly improves forest stand quality and ecological resilience.
• It represents a promising strategy for sustainable forest management.
• Future research should focus on ecological monitoring, mechanistic studies, AI integration, and improved evaluation systems.