Effects of thinning on functional and phylogenetic diversity of regenerated woody plants in plantations over time

Abstract Aims Conversion of natural mixed forests into monoculture plantations results in a loss biodiversity, and consequently leads to serious ecological problems (e.g. soil acidification fertility declines) by controlling the quantity quality litter entering soil. Plant diversity understorey is most important component aboveground biodiversity plays critical role sustainable development plantations. Thinning has been proven effective promoting regeneration plants, studies have targeted effects thinning on single index species richness) The functional phylogenetic are less addressed, however, which could limit full understanding maintenance potential processes community assembly integrally after thinning. Location Northeast China. Methods We chose young middle‐aged larch ( Larix kaempferi ) based time (short term, 1–3 years; medium 4–9 long 10 years or longer), quantified structure regenerated woody plants understorey, related environmental factors (canopy openness nutrients). Results Functional richness evenness decreased over two types plantations, term divergence was significantly lower. At short thinning, higher canopy while closely phosphorus content changed from dispersion clustering had significant relationship with conditions light availability both plantations), highlighting that filtering gradually became main driving force understorey. Conclusion under influence availability, played crucial community. Our study expands research considering time, provides new insights management