In this thesis we investigated the occurrence and structure of the natural regeneration beneath the stands of Austrian black pine in the Karst region, with the emphasis on oaks. In four forms of stand (closed canopy stand, opened stand, canopy gap edge and canopy gap centre) two research plots were placed aimed to study the stand characteristics. At each plot 6 systematically arranged herb subplots were arranged and additionally maximum 12 oak subplots defined by the presence of oaks. The oak seedling density was 0.24 specimen per m2, while the density of oak main competitors flowering ash and hop hornbeam amounted x and y specimens per m2, respectively. Oak was doing worse than both of his competitors in thriving in the higher canopy layers. This study indicates specific developmental superiority of oak in more open parts of stands, although it was found much more rarely in gaps, and it was of inferior vitality. All species had relatively well canopy architecture. In regeneration process oak seedling should be stimulated by the addition of light, but forest canopies should be opened gradually. Oak seedlings need to be favoured with appropriate silvicultural and protective (overconsumption by herbivorous animals) measures. In this way formation of higher quality and more resilient oak stands with native deciduous trees will be achieved.
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