In the first part of the graduate thesis an overview of the forest reserve Smrečje is given. In the second part two different stands damaged by wind-throw are compared concerning overall tree regeneration condition, selected ecological factors which hinder natural regeneration, and relation between mature stand and regeneration. For this purpose 211 research plots in nine transects were established in 2007. Relief, slope inclination, exposure as well as ground vegetation, coarse woody debris (CWD) and stone / rock coverage were estimated on each research plot. Additionally tree seedlings were counted according to height classes, and diffuse light was estimated. A negative relation between ground vegetation and Norway spruce and beech regeneration as well as their different ecological niches were confirmed. A positive relation between Norway spruce regeneration and CWD, as well as differences in mixture of regeneration and mature stand (succession) were established. A long term trend of decreasing share of Norway spruce and increasing share of broadleaves was shown. The research revealed a long-lasting and difficult process of forest natural regeneration
|