ZLV Online

Abstract

In Central Europe, the dynamics of mountain forests has been for a long time most influenced by wind storms. The aim of this study was to obtain knowledge about the structure and dynamics of secondary succession in extreme climatic mountain conditions on disturbed areas after the Kyrill Hurricane in the eastern part of the Krkonoše Mts, Czech Republic. Density, tree species and growth parameters of natural regeneration and game damage were monitored in period 2007–2018 on three localities on comparable fourteen research plots. In 2007, average number of natural regeneration reached 2,167 recruits ha-1, and 3,637 recruits ha-1 in 2018. Results showed density increase of dominant Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.; by 65%) and the significant upturn of deciduous tree species (by 334%), especially in rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.) during the observed period. In tree species composition, spruce share decreased from 98.4% to 92.9% in favor of deciduous tree species. In 2018, rowan, goat willow (Salix caprea L.) and silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) accounted 1.0–22.5% of composition. In terms of height structure, the average recruit height was 44.2 cm (± 35.7 SD) in 2009 and 219.2 cm (± 135.3 SD) in 2018 with low increment in 2011, 2017 and 2018. The study also confirmed the negative influence of Calamagrostis villosa on density of the natural regeneration and positive effect of decreasing altitude and increasing slope on height increment of natural regeneration. Moreover, ungulate was significant limiting factor of growth of regeneration (31.9% damage by browsing), especially for willow and rowan (100% damage).