Original scientific paper
Nomenclatural-Syntaxonomic Determination of Pannonian Beech-Fir Forests (Abieti-Fagetum “pannonicum”) in Croatia
Joso Vukelić
; Šumarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
Dario Baričević
; Šumarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
Abstract
Forests of beech and fir in the mountains of north-western part of the Pannonian valley in Croatia represent zonal communities of the mountainous belt. They have a relatively rich floral composition in which species of the order Fagetalia and its lower units have distinct prominence. Covering about fifteen thousand hectares, they grow in humid-perhumid conditions of temperate warm climate with a favourable precipitation pattern. The geological-lythological structure is predominantly made up of silicate rocks (sandstones, slates) with a dominant soil type of dystric cambisol with acid reaction. In northern expositions they take up altitudes between 600 and 1,000 m, while in southern expositions they climb down to as low as 300 m.
Phytocoenological research and relevés of 40 plots were made in the main distribution range of beech-fir forests on Macelj, Medvednica and Papuk, 25 of which will be presented in this paper. They have a relatively rich floristic composition containing a total of 135 species. There is a prevalence of species of the order Fagetalia and its lower units, of which species of the alliance Aremonio-Fagion are particularly important (Table 1). The floristic composition, ecological conditions, physiognomy and method of managing these stands justify their classification into a separate association. It was named Festuco-drymeiae-Abietetum (forest of beech and fir with fescue) according to the most widely represented and sociologically important species Festuca drymeia and the edifier fir (Abies alba). This clearly distinguishes it from other beech and beech-fir associations within the alliance Aremonio-Fagion and suballiance Lamio orvalae-Fagenion, to which it is subordinated. Abies alba, Fraxinus excelsior, Cardamine trifolia, Lunaria rediviva, Geranium robertianum, Galeopsis tetrahit, Cephalanthera damasonium and Glechoma hirsuta are differentiating species of the association. It has been typologically divided into two subassociations: at steeper, drier terrains and plateaux it is festucetosum drymeiae, while at more humous, less acid, fresher and shadier positions it is lunarietosum redivivae.
Comparative analyses have shown an independent nature of the association in relation to other ones that occur in the montane beech belt of the Pannonian part of Croatia and adjacent areas (Table 2).
Stands in the north-western part of Croatia, on Macelj and Medvednica, are floristically richer and more diverse than those on Papuk – particularly in species of the alliance Aremonio-Fagion. However, statistical analysis did not justify their separation.
Keywords
as. Abieti-Fagetum “pannonicum” s. l.; Festuco drymeiae-Abietetum ass. nova; floral composition; vegetation of northern Croatia
Hrčak ID:
23955
URI
Publication date:
1.9.2007.
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