Growth response of mixed beech forests to climate change, various management and game pressure in Central Europe

Abstract

Te growth, structure and production of mixed beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests were analysed in the Broumovsko Protected Landscape Area, Czech. Te objective of the paper was to evaluate stand structure, timber production and dynamics of forests with historically di?erent silvicultural practices in relation to climate conditions, management and game damage. Te results indicate that scree forests (coppices and coppices with standards) were stands with high-rich species diversity and structure compared to herb-rich beech forests (high forests) with higher timber production. Te Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) was the most sensitive tree species compared to low growth variability in European beech. Te climate factors had the highest e?ect on radial growth from June to August. Natural regeneration showed great density potential (13,880-186,462 recruits•ha-1), especially in expansion of maples and European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.). However, recruits were seriously limiting by damage caused by hoofed game, especially in silver fr (Abies alba Mill.; 53% browsing damage), wych elm (Ulmus glabra Hudson; 51%) and rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.; 50%).