The thesis examines the impact of light conditions on the growth and morphological characteristics of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seedlings on carbonate parent material. The main objective was to quantitatively assess height and lateral growth as well as selected morphological parameters of both species under varying canopy cover. In 2025, a total of 318 vital seedlings (164 beech, 154 fir) were measured across three study plots (Leskova dolina, Stojna, Jelovica). For each seedling, 13 morphological and growth parameters were recorded, along with canopy cover values (min: 20.9 – max: 91.3%). Analyses showed that beech seedlings were, on average, taller (189.1 cm) and achieved greater height increments (up to 501 mm in 2025) than fir (168.5 cm; up to 387 mm), while fir had larger stem diameters (up to 58.4 mm) and wider crowns (up to 270 cm). Linear models indicated that crown length positively influenced relative height growth, whereas crown width and canopy cover had negative effects. Fir exhibited faster growth than beech under comparable conditions in 2024, but the reverse was observed in 2025. Fir maintained more stable growth even under higher canopy cover, while beech showed greater sensitivity to light availability. The results reveal species-specific responses of fir and beech to light conditions, contributing to forest management adaptations aimed at the targeted regeneration of both species, the preservation of species balance, and the long-term stability and quality of forest stands.
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