Selective logging better preserves adaptive capacity than clear‐cutting in subtropical forests of China via tree compositional and structural recovery

The adaptive capacity of ecosystems indicates their ability to cope with disturbance impacts. According to the framework of adaptive cycle theory, this capacity declines with increasing logging intensity. However, this relationship remains empirically unvalidated. This study investigated how selective logging and clear‐cutting affect forest adaptive capacity (comprising potential, which refers to species resource accumulation; connectedness, which refers to the rigidity of species interactions; and resilience). We analysed adaptive capacity dynamics (3–5 years and 10–22 years) using three 20 × 30 m plots per treatment, as well as the effects of species diversity, functional group composition and stand structure following harvest in subtropical forests of China. Both selective logging and clear‐cutting caused a loss of forest adaptive capacity due to significant declines in potential and connectedness. Under selective logging, these attributes were at least 50% higher than those under clear‐cutting, with values approaching mature natural forest within 10–22 years. The impacts of the two forest management practices on potential and connectedness were driven primarily by species evenness, the abundance ratio of light‐demanding to shade‐tolerant species, and tree height inequality. Synthesis and applications . Our study provides experimental evidence that selective logging better maintains the adaptive capacity of subtropical forests than clear‐cutting, primarily by promoting the recovery of species diversity, tree composition and structure. Our findings not only advance the practical understanding of adaptive cycle theory but also inform policy frameworks aiming at sustainable forest management.