Evaluation of phenolic compounds composition in forest ecosystems

Abstract

Clear-cutting is the dominant cutting technique worldwide, particularly in North America and Europe. The structural complexity is essential in forest ecosystem functioning and for biodiversity [1,2]. A study on the variation of the biodiversity, including the chemical composition of the plants before and after the wood-cutting is needed for a better understanding of the modifications induced in the forest structural complexity due to the forest management technique applied. The research presented is focused on a preliminary evaluation of the phenolic composition of the forest ecosystem before the cutting including several plants of the underbrush (Lycopodium clavatum, Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, etc.) and the forest background, performed by UV-vis spectroscopic methods as well as by HPLC analysis.