engleski

Plant species dynamics in sweet chestnut forests in Croatia

Over many centuries chestnut trees were planted around southern Europe in forms of orchards and coppices, both intensively managed. On these stands phytocoenological research did not have much sense. In Croatia, although influenced, most of the chestnut stands never lost their forest structure. Nevertheless, no important floristic and ecological research was performed in these forests since many years (HORVAT 1938, ANIĆ 1940). In last seventy years there were major changes in these stands. Chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) seriously damaged chestnut tree quality and caused decrease or even disappearance of chestnut from some mixed stands. Also, less anthropogenic influence (intensive use and management) enable these stands to get way to evolutionary dynamics toward climax forest. According to these changes, certain changes in floristic composition were also expected. In the period 2002-2004 and 2006-2007, a significant number of phytocoenological relevés was made in all sweet chestnut regions of Croatia. Special attention was paid to find the same localities where phytocoenological research was performed by HORVAT and ANIĆ. Important changes in floristic compositions were observed in acidophilus chestnut forests – Querco-Castanetum sativae Horvat 1938 (comparing relevés from HORVAT 1938). They show successional character regarding to better life conditions. In more or less mesophilous chestnut forests (comparing to ANIĆ 1940) great similarity in floristic composition, after 70 years, was observed. These forests show good stability, despite all negative influences during the time.

phytocoenological research; sweet chestnut; floristic composition; dynamics

nije evidentirano