engleski

Stand growth characteristics of common beech(Fagus sylvatica L.) – projection of even-aged to multi-aged stand structure

The Common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is a dominant tree species in Croatian forests. Applying of the uneven-aged and/or multi-aged stand management system to the forest has recently emphasized, especially in small-scale private forests and forest under nature protection. The study focuses on characteristics of pure beech stand growth and conversion of an actual even-aged beech stands into continuous multi-aged stand structure. Within the pure and well stocked beech stands, in total, 25 plots were sampled (young, middle-aged, pre-mature and mature pure beech stands) and, on average, 16 trees (between 11 and 26 trees) were measured (diameter at breast height, total height, two crown diameters, current annual increment (CAIdbh)) on each plot. Stand growth simulation model (SGSM) was based on: a fitted curve for the relationship of diameter at breast height (dbh) and total height with age, and indicators of competition (relationship between CAIdbh and stand basal area, basal area and crown area). Using the SGSM and an actual mature beech stand (115 years, 10.5 ha, 28.1 m2 ha-1 of BA, 480 m3 ha-1 of standing volume, 9.6 m3 ha-1 of volume increment), transition of even-aged to multi-aged stand structure was obtained. During 100-year period, balanced composition of stand developmental stages, diameter structure, stand density (5, 420 trees per ha), basal area (19.2 m2 ha-1), standing volume (280 m3 ha-1), and balance between 10-year volume increment and felling (110 m3 ha-1), would be achieved. Influence of different management approaches and target structures, as well as projection of spatial distribution of a multi-aged beech stands, would be further research tasks.

multi-aged forest management; Common beech; stand growth; stand structure

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