ZLV Online

Abstract

The concept of zonality (zonal concept) or azonality of vegetation has been well known for a long time all over the world. In the Czech Republic (CZ), this topic is usually presented in a context of (forest or forest site) ecological classification systems, called informally “forest typology” or officially “the Czech Forest Ecosystem Classification”. Expert-based vegetation zonality has not been tested so far. There is even no relevant ecologically-based review of the concept and linked ecological principles behind classification systems. The latest modest note dealing with the zonal concept has been published along with the Notice 298/2018 of Forest Law (Typology table). This review summarizes (i) brief history on the zonal concept, (ii) definition of zonal and azonal vegetation, and description of parameters of a zonal site, (iii) approaches of (forest) classification systems around the world, and (iv) main principles of the Czech Forest Ecosystem Classification. Results of this review should be used as a theoretical basis for a next rigorous analysis of the concept and system units, based on data, sampled during the second cycle of the National Forest Inventory 2011–2015.