engleski

Comparison of different sessile oak planting techniques after windthrow in Norway spruce artificial stands

Damages caused by negative forcing of diverse biotic and abiotic influences (e.g. bark beetles, ice loads, windthrow) in artificial Norway spruce (Picea abies /L./ Karst.) stands constantly increase. In addition, it is predicted that they will even increase in the forthcoming decades. Direct consequences for forest management are significant financial and ecological losses, which makes the management of these forests complex and demanding. Taking into account the fact that ecological degradation starts soon after canopy cover is lost, the post-disturbance areas should be reforestated immediately after disturbance takes place. Unsuccessful reforestation, besides further commercial losses, results with site degradation in such matter that further reforestation would be restricted to the use of less desired tree species and more challenging silvicultural methods (e.g. higher cost of tending activities). Despite the fact that there are early successional tree species which can provide fast and efficient reforestation (e.g. birch, sycamore maple), their commercial and biological value is lower than those of late successional and commercially more interesting tree species. Such important native tree species, which is crucial part of natural species composition of hilly areas of Central Croatia is sessile oak. Thus, there was a need to study the post-planting success of Sessile oak seedlings. The trial plots are set on locality in central Croatia in a Latin square research design. Three different planting methods are studied (control treatment, moulding and removal of litter). Seedlings were marked individually and measured in four consecutive years after planting (2010 – 2013) and again in seventh year (2017) after planting. Data were analysed using Statistica soft. Repeated measures ANOVA showed significant differences both in terms of treatments and interaction treatments x years. Data analysis revealed that selection of planting method has important influence on post-planting growth and development. The best method was moulding, followed by removal of accumulated litter, so these methods are strongly advised to be used in reforestation practices in Central Croatia in the future.

Reforestation, forest disturbances, silvicultural mthods

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