In 2003 in the management unit Vrbovec a massive bark beetle (Ips typhographus) outbreak occurred in Norway spruce dominated stands on submountain Dinaric beech-silver fir forest site. The aim of this research was to determine the current status and development of regeneration, and to identify the main influencing factors after decade of development. Therefore, 240 plots were inventoried. The plots were equally represented according to the fencing, position within opening (centre / edge of opening) and relief (plateau / sink-hole). On each plot herb layer and seedlings according to the species were inventoried. Seedlings were grouped into age and height classes. Seedlings analysis results showed that the density of tree species is 43.000 specimens / ha. The regeneration was dominated by Norway spruce (65 %), followed by the pioneers (20 %). It was found out that proportion of spruce decreases, while the proportion of deciduous trees increases. This is most notable with the pioneers. Fenced openings had a positive impact on the density of spruce and pioneers, with a more favourable height structure of the regeneration within the fenced openings. Density of some species was negatively correlated with the distance to the seed trees (lime) and the edge of the remnant stands (spruce). Herb coverage and rockiness had a negative impact on the development of spruce and pioneers. The seed potential and stabilisation of microclimate conditions indicate that in the future (8-10 years) climax tree species (mainly beech) will regenerate.
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