The thesis deals with comparison of direct seeding and natural regeneration in strands totally damaged by windstorm in management unit Železniki. On three different areas 203 survey plots were set: 1) area with natural regeneration within open gap, 2) area with direct seeding of sycamore maple and Norway spruce, and 3) area of natural regeneration close to the forest edge. On plots 2.25 m% in size overall ecological and strand conditions, seedling density as well as characteristics of dominant trees were analysed. The results showed that the highest seeding densities were achieved with direct seeding (3.951 trees/ha) and within the area of forest edge (13.140 trees/ha), while lowest density was within area of natural regeneration (593 trees/ha). As very vital 63% of trees were assessed, as vital 31% of trees, 5% of trees showed poor vitality. Most abundant seedlings in all treatments were sycamore maple and Norway spruce, followed by beech and ash. Coverage of ground vegetation, raspberry and elderberry was negatively associated with the seedling density. The later was also higher on elevated terrain with fewer competitors. The study confirmed better regeneration potential of forest at strand edges. For a better success of direct seeding and natural regeneration a multi-year control of competing ground vegetation is recommended.
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