engleski

Distribution of introduced North American ash species and their role in lowland forest management in Croatia

North American ash species were introduced one hundred years ago in the lowland regions in Croatia to afforestation sites where the native narrow-leaved ash could not survive. Presence and distribution of these species were obtained on the basis of forest management plans. A total number of 1917 sub-compartments (16, 970 ha) showing the presence of these species as pure stands, partial stands, groups of trees or individual trees (181, 500 m3) were established. Gauß-Krüger co-ordinates of sub-compartment center points and a UTM 100´100 km grid were used for mapping the distribution of introduced ash species. In 90 randomly selected localities, the presence of green ash was confirmed, while white ash was not found. In the management of lowland forests in Croatia to date, the pioneer and meliorization role of green ash in the preparation of habitat for the arrival and survival of narrow-leaved ash has been emphasized, though its economic function is not substantial. Supporting these useful “ exotic” species in the context of its ecological function and significance for the preservation of biodiversity is the goal of future forest management.

green ash; UTM grid; exotic species; pioneer role

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