In this study, data collected on permanent research plots in the Šumik old growth forest and the Repiško forest reserve were used to compare growth and mortality of tree species. The aim was to analyze and understand the growth and mortality processes in forests not directly influenced by humans, with a focus on annual diameter growth per tree species and diameter class. We concluded that in the Šumik old growth forest silver fir grew best in the last period, while in Repiško Norway spruce had the best growth. With regard to mortality, we found that in terms of number, more trees with diameter at breast height (dbh) under 20 cm died than those with dbh over 20 cm. In addition, we determined that in terms of volume. Most dead tree biomass is represented by large-sized trees of dbh more than 50 cm. We discussed the link between these results and the potential influential factors, such as the increased SO2, droughts, higher temperatures due to climate change, and increasing browsing pressure by large herbivores.
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