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Restoration of degraded forest stands – review of scientific studies related to indirect and direct conversion practices in Croatia

Research on conversion of coppices and other degraded forest stands into high forests have become more prominent with adoption of Rural development programme for the Republic of Croatia for the period 2014 – 2020. Programme has opened numerous possibilities through EU funding. Even though coppice management is regarded as the oldest silvicultural system, such activities received little attention in Croatia until recently. The main reasons are low production and profitability of existing coppices together with their poor quality (e.g. old stumps, species shift towards commercially less interesting tree species, etc.), negative biotic and abiotic forcing and the lack of modern silvicultural solutions aimed at enhancement of coppice management. Regarding the high share of coppices and their neglected ecological and commercial potential, the aim of silvicultural activities is to convert stands into higher/high silvicultural form to increase their landscape and commercial value. Paper presents results of successful long-term research on indirect stand conversion. Included case study of Holm oak coppice conversion under the principles of seeding cuts has been done under the auspices of „Croatian forests“ Ltd. Paper also provides first results of direct conversions based on Conversion plans for two trials in private forests: conversion of high European hornbeam stand and Black locust coppice. The aim of presented research results is to provide insight into the structure and potential of young tree generation. In addition, it aims to suggest efficient and adequate conversion methods and activities, which should result with the increase of ecosystem services, enhancement of stand structure, stability and resilience of forest ecosystems to climate change and altogether long-term increase of their commercial value.

Conversion, seeding cut, afforestation, Holm oak, European hornbeam, Black locust

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