Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.5552/crojfe.2022.1699
Growth and Development Dynamics of Young Holm Oak (Quercus Ilex L.) Stands after Shelterwood Cutting in Open Forest Road Conditions
Tomislav Dubravac
; Croatian Forestry Institute Department of Silviculture Cvjetno naselje 41 10 450 Jastrebarsko CROATIA
Damir Barčić
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Forestry and Wood Techology Institute of Ecology and Silviculture Svetošimunska 23 10 000 Zagreb CROATIA
Maja Moro
; Faculty of Forestry and Wood Techology Institute of Processes Engineering Svetošimunska 23 10 000 Zagreb CROATIA
Abstract
The Mediterranean forest region has been exposed to anthropogenic impacts for centuries, and
the constant biotic and abiotic factors, together with increasing climate change, have hindered
the proper management of forest ecosystems. This study presents the results of multiyear, systematic,
specific and practical monitoring of the conversion of holm oak coppices using the
principles of the shelterwood system. It also presents the growth and development dynamics of
the stand on a permanent experimental plot from 1997 to 2017. The research was performed in
the Eumediterranean vegetation zone of coniferous forest (Forest Management, Buzet branch,
Pula Forestry Office, Magran Cuf management unit, compartment 83a). The plot has all the
properties of a holm oak and manna ash forests (Orno-Quercetum ilicis H-ić/1956/1958). The
basic elements of stand structure were monitored: diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height,
horizontal crown projection, crown ground shading (light) and the appearance and abundance
of all woody vegetation, with special emphasis on the growth and development of young generations
of holm oak from seed. The paper also describes the threats limiting growth, development
and survival of holm oak from seed (strong shooting tendencies of coppiced holm oak and bay
laurel trees, excessive presence of shrubs). Forest management requires effective, timely and
repeated tending to thin stands (already under the canopy), while also protecting young trees
from wild game. The statistical method of interpolation determined the trends of stand development;
trend equation with coefficient of determination (R2) is very high. This indicates the growth
and development of the stand in the direction of renewal of holm oak stands. Shelterwood cutting,
with regular and timely tending of young generations of trees through a seven-year regeneration
period, resulted in a high quality young high forest of holm oak, the first of its kind in the
broader Mediterranean area. The indigenous stands of holm oak, as the fundamental climatogenic
coniferous species of the Mediterranean species, have multiple roles such as protection from
erosion, resilience to biotic and abiotic factors and forest fires, tourism and landscape functions,
and other general forest functions, and therefore deserve intensive and ongoing research. Holm
oak stands also play a part in conserving genetic and biological diversity, the potential and
persistence of forest ecosystems, improving stand structure, stability and resilience of forest
ecosystems to climate change, and in the long-term increase the commercial value of forest stands
in the Croatian Mediterranean.
Keywords
coppice, conversion, natural regeneration, shelterwood cutting, young generation
Hrčak ID:
290864
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2022.
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