Preliminary assessment of effect of disturbance on natural regeneration in gaps of different sizes

The study focused on natural regeneration of European beech (Fagus sylvatica), Norway spruce (Picea abies) and European larch (Larix decidua) within very small and four times bigger size gaps following a disturbance at a mixed temperate forest in the Czech Republic. In spring 2013, experimental gap design starts, when 1 m2 circular sampling plots along transects were delineated within four selected naturally occurring canopy openings with size below 20 m2. In December 2013, these initial canopy openings were artificially enlarged by felling to 226 m2 for small and 904 m2 for big gaps. Regeneration was monitored in the next two consecutive growing seasons after disturbance. Light conditions were measured before and after disturbance. Results indicated that four times larger gaps increased twice levels of light conditions, and that diffuse light starts to equilibrate to direct light there. Large gaps were favouring larch regeneration. Beech regeneration was predominant, independently on gap size as the study area belongs naturally to Beech Forest Vegetation Zone, however, the decline of spruce regeneration was presumably linked to drought. Gap size explained variation of larch regeneration in gaps. Contrarily, gap size could not be associated with the prolific regeneration of beech and abysmal regeneration performances of spruce in gaps.

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Effects of gap size on natural regeneration and micro-environmental soil conditions in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst) dominated mixed forest

Plant Soil and Environment ◽

10.17221/397/2020-pse ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 66 (No. 12) ◽

pp. 607-615

Author(s):

Maame Esi Hammond ◽

Radek Pokorný

Keyword(s):

Picea Abies ◽

Norway Spruce ◽

Fagus Sylvatica ◽

Natural Regeneration ◽

Mixed Forest ◽

European Beech ◽

Soil Conditions ◽

Gap Size ◽

The Czech Republic ◽

Fagus Sylvatica L

The study focused on the effects of gap size on natural regeneration of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) and micro-environmental soil conditions in gaps of different sizes under temperate mixed forest in the Czech Republic. Six gaps comprising two for small (≥ 200 m2), medium (≥ 500 m2) and big (≥ 900 m2) each were selected. Ten circular 1 m2 subsampling plots were established at 2 m intervals along individual North-South-East-West transects, including one at the gap centre. Regeneration was monitored in 2014 and repeatedly in 2019. Soil conditions were only measured in 2019. Gap size was found to be a significant parameter for European beech natural regeneration in 2014. Besides, the quick occupation of European beech in gaps at natural beech zone provoked its prolific regeneration compared to Norway spruce in 2014. However, in 2019 the recent threat of weather variabilities was responsible for the general abysmal growth performance of natural regeneration. Division of gap microsites into different within-gap positions based on prevailing light or shade conditions was helpful in assessing the significant variations of soil conditions within-gap positions and among gap sizes. Soil temperature and moisture significantly influenced the regeneration of European beech and Norway spruce, respectively.

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Effects of gap size, light and herbivory on the herb layer vegetation in European beech forest gaps

Forest Ecology and Management ◽

10.1016/j.foreco.2007.04.020 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 244 (1-3) ◽

pp. 141-149 ◽

Cited By ~ 58

Author(s):

Tobias Naaf ◽

Monika Wulf

Keyword(s):

European Beech ◽

Beech Forest ◽

Gap Size ◽

Herb Layer ◽

Forest Gaps

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Beech and silver fir’s response along the Balkan’s latitudinal gradient

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-019-52670-z ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Matjaž Čater ◽

Tom Levanič

Keyword(s):

Growth Response ◽

Abies Alba ◽

European Beech ◽

Permanent Plots ◽

Silver Fir ◽

Light Conditions ◽

Morphological Response ◽

Growing Seasons ◽

The North ◽

North Western

Abstract At the 1000 km geographical distance in Dinaric montane forests of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), the tree response from the north-western sites towards southern, warmer and dryer sites was performed during three consecutive growing seasons (2011, 2012 and 2013). On eleven permanent plots, positioned in uneven-aged beech and fir forests above 800 m along the geographical gradient, the physiological and morphological response to light intensity were measured in predefined light categories based on the analysis of hemispherical photos. Radial growth was analysed on all plots and compared to precipitation, temperature and two drought indexes. Analysis showed a decrease in the cumulative precipitation and no change in temperature between plots. Beech was most efficient in the open area light conditions, while fir proved most efficient under shelter. Physiological response for beech increased towards SE and reached its maximal values in the middle of transect, while fir’s response decreased from the NW towards SE. Tendency to plagiotropic growth decreased from NW to SE in both species. Growth response to climatic parameters is weak, stronger in fir than in beech and decreasing towards SE.

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Current and simulated structure, growth parameters and regeneration of beech forests with different game management in the Lány Game Enclosure / Struktura, růstové parametry, obnova a modelový vývoj bukových porostů s odlišným způsobem mysliveckého hospodaření v podmínkách Lánské obory

Forestry Journal ◽

10.1515/forj-2015-0016 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 61 (2) ◽

pp. 78-88 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Robin Ambrož ◽

Stanislav Vacek ◽

Zdeněk Vacek ◽

Jan Král ◽

Igor Štefančík

Keyword(s):

Cervus Elaphus ◽

Natural Regeneration ◽

Growth Parameters ◽

Cervus Nippon ◽

European Beech ◽

Beech Forest ◽

Fallow Deer ◽

Limiting Factor ◽

Beech Forests ◽

Deer Species

AbstractThe paper presents the results of the study of the current and simulated structure of beech forests in the Lány game preserve, which is situated in the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area in the Czech Republic. The research was conducted at two permanent research plots (PRP) of 0.25 ha in size in a mature beech forest using the FieldMap technology. Typological, soil and phytocoenological stand characteristics and the history of management of both PRP are comparable; however, they differ in the protection against wildlife. The results demonstrated that deer species including red deer (Cervus elaphus L. - 300 head), sika deer (Cervus nippon nippon Temm. - 300 head), mouflon (Ovis musimon Pallas - 250 head) and fallow deer (Dama dama L. - 300 head) is a limiting factor for successful development of natural regeneration of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). Natural regeneration on PRP 1 with wild boar herd (Sus scrofa L. - 150 head) is sufficient in relation to site and stand conditions. On the contrary, there is no regeneration on PRP 2 with the occurrence of deer species. The results of biometric measurements and subsequent predictions by the SIBYLA forest biodynamics simulator indicate that the stands are insignificantly structured, mature, productive beech stands with the absence of individuals in the lower tree layer.

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Effects of Gap Size and Cardinal Directions on Natural Regeneration, Growth Dynamics of Trees outside the Gaps and Soil Properties in European Beech Forests of Southern Italy

Forests ◽

10.3390/f12111563 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (11) ◽

pp. 1563

Author(s):

Silvio Bagnato ◽

Pasquale A. Marziliano ◽

Maria Sidari ◽

Carmelo Mallamaci ◽

Federica Romeo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Soil Properties ◽

Natural Regeneration ◽

Growth Dynamics ◽

European Beech ◽

Tree Regeneration ◽

Gap Size ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Beech Stand ◽

Gap Opening ◽

Cardinal Directions

The present study was focused on how cardinal directions inside gaps of different sizes (small, 200 m2; medium, 400 m2; and large, 600 m2) can affect soil characteristics and tree regeneration. Additionally, the effects of gap size on the growth dynamics of trees outside the gaps were evaluated. The study was carried out in a European beech stand located in Aspromonte National Park (Southern Apennines, Calabria, Italy). Microclimatic variables, physical, chemical, and biochemical soil properties, natural regeneration density, and growth trees outside the gaps density of natural regeneration were assessed. This study provided evidence for an important effect of cardinal points on micro-environmental parameter variability, nutrient cycle, physic-chemical soil properties, water availability, and biological processes such as trees growth and regeneration. The European beech natural regeneration was most abundant in the south part of the gaps. Thus, we can state that cardinal points affect the trees natural regeneration in a species-specific manner. The new microclimatic conditions due to the gap opening had positive effects on the tree growth located along the gap edge, especially in the trees sampled on the edges of the medium gaps. On the contrary, the trees located in the forest recorded a productivity coherent with the period prior the gap opening. In medium-sized gaps, the combination and interaction of microclimatic and soil parameters (humification and mineralization process and microbial activity) created the best conditions for beech natural regeneration and favored an increase in the productivity of the trees at the edge of the gaps.

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Monitoring of natural regeneration in a mixed deciduous forest

Silva Gandavensis ◽

10.21825/sg.v64i0.829 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 64 ◽

Author(s):

K. M. Tabari ◽

N. Lust

Keyword(s):

Survival Rate ◽

Natural Regeneration ◽

Deciduous Forest ◽

Seedling Stage ◽

Permanent Plots ◽

Soil Conditions ◽

Growing Seasons ◽

Humus Layer ◽

Beech Stand ◽

Regeneration Phase

Monitoring of natural regeneration in a dense semi-natural mixed hardwood forest on the base of ash, beech, oak and sycamore occurred over 3 years in the Aelmoeseneie experimental forest, Belgium. 40 permanent plots (4 m x 5 m) were selected in three various humus types, located in an ash stand and in an oak - beech stand. In all plots abundance and top height of all broad leaved regenerated species were determined at the end of the growing seasons 1995 and 1998. In addition, the seedlings which appeared in the plots during 1996 and 1997 were identified and followed up. This study proves that in the investigated sites natural regeneration is drastically poor and diversity is low, in particular where the humus layer is more acidic (mull moder) and the litter layer is thick. No regeneration phase older than the seedling stage (h < 40 cm) is developed on the different humus types. On average, total number of seedlings in 1995 amounts to 38 units/are in the ash stand and to 63 units/are in the oak - beech stand. Survival rate over a 3- year period is 37% and 42% respectively in the ash and oak - beech stands. Total ingrowth during the growing seasons 1996 and 1997 is virtually poor, indicating 16 and 8 units/are respectively in above mentioned stands. Survival rate of occurring seedlings, as well as the ingrowth of new seedlings are notably different (P < 0.05) according to the soil conditions of the ash stand. Generally, the low presence of seedlings and the lack of regeneration older than the seedling stage reveal that the regeneration development encounters with a critical problem. The continuation of this process would likely result in a progressive succession by the invasive and the unwanted tree species.

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Carbon Stock of European Beech Forest; A Case at M. Pizzalto, Italy

APCBEE Procedia ◽

10.1016/j.apcbee.2012.03.026 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 1 ◽

pp. 159-168 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Aida Taghavi Bayat ◽

Hein van Gils ◽

Michael Weir

Keyword(s):

Carbon Stock ◽

European Beech ◽

Beech Forest

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Modelling natural regeneration of European beech in Saxony, Germany: identifying factors influencing the occurrence and density of regeneration

European Journal of Forest Research ◽

10.1007/s10342-021-01377-w ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Maximilian Axer ◽

Sven Martens ◽

Robert Schlicht ◽

Sven Wagner

Keyword(s):

Natural Regeneration ◽

Negative Binomial ◽

European Beech ◽

Seed Source ◽

Permanent Plots ◽

Forest Conversion ◽

Ecological Knowledge ◽

Statistical Tool ◽

Factors Influencing ◽

The Impact

AbstractThe potential utilisation of natural regeneration of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) for forest conversion has received little attention to date. Ecological knowledge is necessary to understand and predict successful natural regeneration of beech. The objective of this study was to improve understanding of what drives the occurrence of beech regeneration and, once regeneration is present, what drives its density. In the study, we utilised a forest inventory dataset provided by Sachsenforst, the state forestry service of Saxony, Germany. The dataset was derived from 8725 permanent plots. Zero-altered negative binomial models (ZANB) with spatial random effects were used to analyse factors influencing occurrence and density simultaneously. The results provided by the spatial ZANB models revealed that the probability of the occurrence of beech regeneration is highly dependent on seed availability, i.e. dependent on source trees in close proximity to a plot. The probability of beech regeneration rises with the increasing diameter of a potential seed tree and decreases with increasing distance to the nearest potential seed source. The occurrence of regeneration is affected by overstorey composition and competition exerted by spruce regeneration. Where sites are affected by groundwater or temporary waterlogging, the impact on the occurrence of regeneration is negative. Although distance to the nearest potential seed source has an influence on occurrence, this variable exerts no influence on density. A high regeneration density arises in conjunction with a high beech basal area in the overstorey. Beech regeneration density, but not occurrence, is negatively affected by browsing intensity. These variables can be used to predict the occurrence and density of beech regeneration in space to a high level of precision. The established statistical tool can be used for decision-making when planning forest conversion using natural regeneration.

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Effects of gap size, gap age, and bamboo Fargesia denudata on Abies faxoniana recruitment in South-western China

Forest Systems ◽

10.5424/fs/2015242-06682 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 24 (2) ◽

pp. e025 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Wen Kang ◽

Cheng Tian ◽

Dongwei Kang ◽

Mengjun Wang ◽

Yunxi Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Natural Regeneration ◽

Research Area ◽

Western China ◽

Coniferous Forests ◽

Gap Size ◽

Abies Faxoniana ◽

Age Gap ◽

Natural Reserve ◽

Negative Effect ◽

Fargesia Denudata

Aim of study: to study the effects of gap size, gap age and bamboo Fargesia denudata on natural regeneration of Abies faxoniana, both of which are the ubiquitous dominants in our research area.Area of study: subalpine coniferous forests in Wanglang Natural Reserve in Southwestern China.Material and Methods: 10 transect belts were randomly established, and a total of 97 gaps were recorded and used.Main results: (1) the number of bamboos with coverage of <17% significantly increased with increases of gap size and age, but the latter had little influence on the numbers of F. denudata with coverage of >17%. (2) F. denudata strongly inhibited A. faxoniana seedlings and saplings in small, young and old gaps, where the amount of A. faxoniana recruitment was relatively abundant, than in other types of gap. (3) The numbers of A. faxoniana seedlings in A-gaps, significantly decreased with the increases in gap size. However, in gaps where F. denudate was also present, A. faxoniana seedlings and saplings were insensitive to gap size or age. Research highlights: thick F. denudata would not be influenced by gap size or age. Because of the low occurrences of A. faxoniana seedlings and saplings, the negative effect of gap size, gap age and F. denudata on A. faxoniana recruitment was unclear.Key words: Abies faxoniana; Fargesia denudata; gap age; gap size; regeneration.

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Impact of skidder and high-lead system logging on forest soils and advanced regeneration

Journal of Forest Science ◽

10.17221/4701-jfs ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 49 (No. 6) ◽

pp. 273-280 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

M. Modrý ◽

D. Hubený

Keyword(s):

Czech Republic ◽

Forest Ecosystem ◽

Natural Regeneration ◽

Soil Surface ◽

Beech Forest ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Lead System ◽

The Impact ◽

High Lead ◽

Stand Conditions

The applied skidding technology strongly influences the impact of harvest on the ecosystem and success of natural regeneration. The impact of skidder SLKT 81 and high-lead system Larix 3T on forest soil and natural regeneration was compared under analogical site and stand conditions in a production beech forest in the environs of Brno, Czech Republic. The skidder was found to have greater effects on the soil surface consistency, soil properties and natural regeneration than the high-lead system operations. Although high-lead system operations are more friendly to all parts of forest ecosystem, the skidder may not cause excessive damage when applied under suitable terrain and climatic conditions.

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