Anthropogenic high mountain forests are difficult to rejuvenate due to successional stages with a lush herbaceous layer and poorly decomposed soil organic matter. Below Velika Kopa, 252 1 × 1 m plots were placed in six gaps with a diameter of two tree heights, divided into six positions within each gap (four in the cardinal directions, one in the centre and one under the closed canopy). The plots were of three types: randomly placed, with present seedlings and with topsoil excavated. Three of the six gaps were fenced. The thesis investigated differences in ecological factors (light, temperature, air and soil moisture) and vegetation structure between gaps and between positions within gaps. The results show that ecological factors and herbaceous vegetation mixture vary across gaps and positions. The genus of reed grass was most strongly represented in the herb layer and covered the most area in the centre of the gap (Me = 41.3 %), where the sun radiation was the highest. Seedlings covered the most area in position under the canopy. The reed grass and seedlings coverage were in weak negative correlation (rho = - 0,27). The stands should be opened gradually, due to rapid growth of herbaceous layer. Ellenberg's phytoindication values did not reflect realistic growing conditions.
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