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- Title
Impacts of soil conditions and light availability on natural regeneration of Norway spruce Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. in low-elevation mountain forests.
- Authors
Dyderski, Marcin K.; Gazda, Anna; Hachułka, Mariusz; Horodecki, Paweł; Kałucka, Izabela L.; Kamczyc, Jacek; Malicki, Marek; Pielech, Remigiusz; Smoczyk, Michał; Skorupski, Maciej; Wierzcholska, Sylwia; Jagodziński, Andrzej M.
- Abstract
• Key message: Natural regeneration ofP. abies(L.) H. Karst. may reach high densities in lower mountain elevations. The highest densities were found in sites with moderate light availability, with low pH, and not near the riverbank. However, age-height classes differed in the predicted magnitude of response, but were consistent in response directions. Mosses and understory species typical of coniferous forests were positively correlated with regeneration density.• Context: Norway spruce Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. in Central Europe is at risk under climate change scenarios, particularly in mountain regions. Little is known about the impact of environmental factors on the natural regeneration of P. abies in low-elevation mountain forests.• Aims: We aimed to assess impacts of distance from the riverbank, soil pH, and light availability on natural P. abies regeneration. We hypothesized that (1) natural P. abies regeneration would depend on light availability and soil pH and (2) there are understory plant species which may indicate the microsites suitable for natural regeneration of P. abies.• Methods: The study was conducted in the Stołowe Mountains National Park (SW Poland, 600-800 m a.s.l.). We established 160 study plots (25 m2) for natural regeneration, light availability, soil pH, and understory vegetation assessment.• Results: The highest densities of natural regeneration of P. abies were observed in sites with moderate light availability (0.1-0.2 of open sky) and low pH (3.5-4.5), and located relatively far from the riverbank. Cover of 22 understory plant species were correlated with natural P. abies regeneration densities, mostly positively.• Conclusion: Different stages of natural regeneration of P. abies revealed different regeneration niches. Most understory plant species (bryophytes and herbs typical of coniferous forests) do not compete with natural regeneration of P. abies.
- Subjects
MOUNTAIN forests; NORWAY spruce; EFFECT of light on plants; CLIMATE change; PH standards
- Publication
Annals of Forest Science (BioMed Central), 2018, Vol 75, Issue 4, p1
- ISSN
1286-4560
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s13595-018-0775-x