Study of Gap-phase Regeneration in a Managed Beech Forest: Relations between Tree Regeneration and Light, Substrate Features and Cover of Ground Vegetation

• Main Authors: MIHÓK, Barbara, GÁLHIDY, László, KELEMEN, Kristóf, Tibor STANDOVÁR
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sciendo 2005-01-01
• Series: Acta Silvatica & Lignaria Hungarica
• Subjects: artificial gap; PACL; Fagus sylvatica
• Online Access: http://aslh.nyme.hu/fileadmin/dokumentumok/fmk/acta_silvatica/cikkek/Vol01-2005/mihok_et_al.pdf
• ISSN: 1786-691X; 1787-064X

Gap formation by wind is a characteristic disturbance event in European beech forests. Changes in abiotic environmental variables depend on gap size and different site features. The aim of this gap-study is to test the effect of gap size on spatial distribution of abiotic environmental variables and on the abundance and distribution of tree regeneration. Eight experimental gaps – three large (d: 35-40 m) and five small (d: 10-15 m) – were created in a mesotrophic beech forest in winter 2000/2001. Data were collected systematically in 1m x 1m quadrats before gap creation and subsequently on five occasions. Hemispherical photographs were used to estimate relative light intensity along a gap–under-canopy transect. First results of this long-term study suggest that establishment of beech seedlings is negatively influenced by dispersal limitation in large gaps and amount of slash as well, while it seems to be insensitive to environmental conditions. Development of beech saplings is accelerated by increased light intensity, and by protective effect of dense herb layer in opened sites. Salix caprea — as a light demanding species — appears mostly in the centre of large gaps.