Beskydy 2013, 6, 127-134
Structural diversity and regeneration patterns of the Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst) dominated virgin forest in NNR Zadná Poľana
The paper analyzes the structural diversity of the spruce dominated old-growth forest in National Nature Reserve (NNR) Zadná Poľana on the series of three permanent research plots (PRP) with the area of 0.5 ha each. The height and diameter diversity as well as the spatial distribution were expressed using standard structural indices (Füldner’s TH and TD index, Gini index, Clark-Evans index). Obtained results confirmed the low structural diversity regardless of the developmental stage of investigated forest. The extensive ungulate browsing retards the height growth of the subsequent tree generation and leads toward to the structural homogenization of the future forest stand.
Keywords
Norway spruce, diversity, developmental stage, natural forest.
