engleski

Stand structure and growth of mixed European larch- lime forest culture in Republic of Croatia

Background and Purpose: The study presents mixed European larch – lime forest culture. This two species beside good silvicultural features (high wood production, good quality, fast growth, good competitive ability, etc.) have beneficial influence on site characteristics (fast decomposition of litter, beneficial light conditions). Even though these species have been the object of numerous trials, there are no scientific researches related to their mixture. Materials and methods: Productivity of european larch and lime trees were evaluated on the basis of height and diameter growth and volume production at the age of 44 years. Research on basic structural parameters (DBH, total height, volume) of measured tree mixture was conducted in lowland part of the Republic of Croatia on „Krcevine“ locality (Forest administration „Bjelovar“, „Veliki Grđevac“ forest office). Trial was established in three repetitions (3 x 20 x 20 m = 1 200 m²). Forest culture was established on the area of 4, 57 hectares in 1971. (line planting). Acquired data were statistically analyzed with STATISTICA software. Results: All analyzed parameters showed statistically significant difference (ANOVA, p < 0, 05). The highest values of DBH, total height and volume possess European larch. Also, the highest values of sd for DBH and total tree height are from lime. These results point to larger dispersion of lime trees in the mixture, which means that lime trees are distributed in all canopy layers. Conclusion: Conducted analysis presents the first growth results of this kind of species mixture in the Republic of Croatia. Significant differences in structural parameters between larch and lime points to better structure during forest conversion. This multi – layered forest culture, in comparison with one – layered monocultures, provides better light conditions and shelter at the time of conversion. Nevertheless, tending throughout the rotation period, which produces good stability and vitality of forest cultures, is crucial for productivity and minimising risks during conversion to climax species stands. Since available land for afforestation in Croatia is significant and these tree species possess good silvicultural characteristics this mixture should be further monitored.

Culture establishment, productivity and stability enhancement

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