Opportunistic methods of controlling vegetation, inspired by natural plant succession dynamics with special reference to natural outmixing tendencies in a gap regeneration

Abstract

This paper outlines the prerequisites for research into natural and opportunistic methods of vegetation control. These methods must be chemical-free and respect naturalness, but must still be acceptable in terms of cost. These alternative regeneration control methods are discussed and illustrated. Firstly, weed control is influenced by the degree of shading during the regeneration process. The principle of antibiosis can also be used by sowing an admixture of herbs: these are invasive enough to flourish but favour the soil's biological activity (or other factors) enough to reduce weed development and so assist the regeneration process. In the long term, natural plant dynamics in temperate Central Europe lead to fairly regular stands, which are composed of relatively poor species, due to natural outmixing processes. This paper examines natural regeneration development in a 0.25 ha gap. Results show that starting from a very heterogeneous mixture of spontaneously regenerated seedlings (20 species), a considerable reduction in tree species in the dominant stand layer has taken place after 15 years. Outmixing differs depending on light conditions. Ash, which is an intolerant species, dominates in the gap centre, and beech, a tolerant species, dominates along the edge of the patch and under the old stand's shelter.