The purpose of this study was the examination of natural regeneration of tree species and basic ecological factors in sample plots in the virgin forest Pečka. In 164 systematically defined, 2 by 2 meter large plots, direct and diffuse light values were measured on different heights, ground coverage with herb vegetation, young trees and tree debris was estimated. In the vicinity of the plots we measured hill exposure, inclination and the stand basal area as well as the development phase of the forest. The average value of diffuse light was 4.0 %; the average value of direct light was 3.2 %. The overall density of young trees not counting oneyear- old seedlings was 19954 ha-1, where beech (94 %) dominated, followed by silver fir (4 %) and sycamore maple (2 %). The share of beech increased with the height of the young trees. The density of young silver firs was low, we did not find any in the height class above 20 cm. The share of silver fir in the stand basal area had decreased in the years from 1893 till 2007, while the share of beech increased. The share of moderately and heavy damaged young silver firs has increased. The virgin forest was dominated by development phases of young trees. A positive correlation between diffuse light and average length increment and also between beech higher than 20 cm and diffuse light was determined. The correlation between ground vegetation coverage and tree regeneration was also determined.
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