engleski

Elements development of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) forest monitored with cluster analysis

In even-aged forest management even-aged stands are classified into age classes within the same management class. The management class is defined with principal tree species, site quality, rotation, and management method and goal. For the rotation period over 60 years, the prescribed width of age class is 20 years. Apart from the fact that the age of even-aged stands is the only criterion by which they are put into age classes, it could be said that the structure of an even-aged stand is more or less heterogeneous. If an age class of a given forest is perceived as a group of even-aged stands, heterogeneity is even more pronounced, it can be the result of irregular (uneven) age structure of stands within age classes, differences in the structure within and between stands, inadequate management procedures and unfavourable external influences. Cluster analysis has been applied to monitor the development of stand elements (volume per ha, basal area per ha, number of trees per ha, mean diameter and age) for all compartments (stands) in relation to the development of age class distribution and elements of stand structure at the level of age class. The example used is the management class of pedunculate oak with common horn beam (Genisto elatae-Quercetum roboris carpinetosum betuli Ht. 1938) in the management Unit “ Josip Kozarac” , which has been managed for the past 40 years (4 past management plans). The obtained relationships among the mentioned elements are aimed at pointing to the quality of past management with pedunculate oak stands, at the development of even-aged forest structure, and at the trends indicating appropriate process for future management.

Pedunculate oak; elements development of satand structure; cluster analysis

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