ZLV Online

Abstract

The paper deals with production capacity of selected pioneer species – Silver birch, black alder, European aspen and goat willow. The review focused on these fields of research: ecology requirements and natural distribution of discussed species; their growth and yield; effect of site conditions on growth and production (the main goal) and yield comparison of these species. The vigorous growth and marketable production of Silver birch is considered on fertile soils with adequate moisture and air content. Warmer climate and lower altitudes create optimum growing conditions for European aspen. Rich sites and middle altitude are considered optimal site conditions for goat willow as well. The productivity of black alder is greatest on riverside site. The mean annual volume increment (MAI) for analysed species varied from 4 to 10 (12) m3/ha, for goat willow relevant data are missing. Rotation period for these species should not be longer than 55 (60) years due to the risk of heart rot occurrence. The highest potential for biomass production shows Silver birch with maximum annual increment ranged from 5 to 7 t/ha within the age of 15–25 years. Faster growth in the young and shorter rotation period advantages production of pioneer species contrary to common shade tolerate species as a spruce, fir and beech, in the process of reforestation of large clearings.