Changes in the threat of spruce stand disintegration in the Beskid Śla̧ski and Żywiecki Mts. in the years 2007-2010

Abstract

The present paper describes the dynamics of changes in spruce stand disintegration in the Beskid Śla̧ski and Żywiecki Mts. on the basis of the results of inventory performed in 2010 as compared to those in 2009. The research was done in six forest districts in the Beskidy Mts. The area of spruce stands in degrees of threat of disintegration on the day of 30 th September in the research period was determined for forest districts Bielsko, Ustroń, Wisła, Wȩgierska Górka, Jeleśnia and Ujsoły, on the basis of data in the State Forests Electronic Database (SILP) in degrees of threat of stand disintegration as well as in climate and vegetation zones. A comparison of the results of inventory of the stands threatened with disintegration in six forest districts in 2007 (altogether 24,446 ha) and in 2010 (altogether 16,886 ha) indicates a decrease in the rate of spruce stand disintegration. This may point to the slowing down of the rate of spruce stand disintegration as well as to considerable intensification of reconstruction work. Copyright © J. FOR. SCI., 2012.