In the Perućica old-growth forest in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we investigated the impact of three intermediate wind disturbances upon the forest development of windthrow gaps. Three research areas 25 x 25 m were prepared in each windthrow gap. Research areas were prepared in the same way also in control stands. In the research areas, all standing trees and young growths were measured. In each research area in the windthrow gaps, core samples were taken from ten trees that were closest to the centre of the area. Core samples were taken also from ten larger trees in the entire windthrow surface. All decaying trees were measured and they were classified into five classes, depending on the level of decomposition. The structure of stands changed after windfall. Deciduous trees that prefer ample light conditions appear in case of ample light, otherwise beeches apper. First, decidiuous trees appear, followed by beeches and finally by firs. Each windfall results from a larger natural disaster. A gap caused by a natural disaster spreads slowly. In windfalls Osoje and Tunjemir, the variety of tree species increased, which does not apply for the windfall Skakavac. The growth of decidiuous trees that prefer ample light conditions appeared after wind disturbances, whereas the growth of shade-tolerant tree species was present already before the disturbances. Beeches reacts more strongly to more ample light than firs. The average radial growth of sycamore maple is largest in case of trees that germinated after the wind disturbance. Intermediate wind disturbances have a significant impact upon forest development.
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