Influence of pulverized limestone and amphibolite mixture on the growth performance of Alnus incana (L.) Moench plantation on an acidified mountain site

Abstract

A young speckled alder (Alnus incana [L.] Moench) stand was planted on a tract clear-felled due to air pollution and located on a summit plateau of the Jizerské hory Mts. (Central Europe, Czech Republic) at an altitude of 950 m a.s.l. The aim of the experiment was to test the suitability of Alnus incana to form preparatory stands covering the site and thus enabling the reintroduction of more sensitive target species. A potential of Alnus incana to respond to slow-release fertilizing was tested as well. The control treatment showed sufficient growth dynamics, nevertheless, the fertilization significantly promoted the growth (documented by height, height increment and stem-base diameter). If some limitations of alder such as high light requirements are respected, the speckled alder can be recommended as a suitable species for preparatory stands even in the 7 th and 8 th altitudinal (vegetation) zones, especially when fertilized.