engleski

Conversion as an adaptive forest management measure- the advantages and disadvantages of direct and indirect conversion

Even though coppice management is regarded as the oldest silvicultural system, such activities received little attention in Croatia until recently. With adoption of Rural development programme for Republic of Croatia for the period 2014 – 2020 research on conversion of coppices and other degraded forest stands into high forests have become more prominent. Also, emigration in rural areas, along with a number of other socio - economic factors, leads to a reduction of anthropogenic impacts on coppice (fewer need for firewood, livestock grazing is reduced, etc.). In such conditions, coppices have a slow natural progression in a high silvicultural form, but a more active approach to adaptation- oriented management helps accelerate the development of the dynamics and stand structure to the desired target, reducing the risk of fire and attack of various pathogens. At the same time, it provides revenue from cutting during the conversion period itself. Paper presents and compares advantages and disadvantages of direct and indirect conversion through several studies ; case study of Holm oak coppice conversion under the principles of seeding cuts by the auspices of „Croatian forests“ Ltd. This case study presents successful long-term research on indirect stand conversion. Study of direct conversion is based on Conversion plans for two trials in private forests: conversion of high European hornbeam stand and Black locust coppice. The aim of presented research results is to provide insight into the structure and potential of young tree generation. In addition, it aims to suggest efficient and adequate conversion methods and activities, which should result with increase of ecosystem services, enhancement of stand structure, stability and resilience of forest ecosystems to climate change and altogether long-term increase of their commercial value.

adaptation, Black locust, European hornbeam, forest conversion, holm oak, seed cut

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