Effects of selective thinning on growth and development of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forest stands in south-eastern Slovenia

We studied the effects of two types of selective thinning on beech stands formed by a shelterwood cut in 1910 — with lower number of crop trees and higher thinning intensity (T1) and higher number of crop trees with lower thinning intensity (T2). The stands were thinned in 1980, 1991 and 2001. Despite a lower stand density after thinning, the annual basal area increments of thinned stands in both thinning periods (1980–1991 and 1991–2002) were around 20% higher compared to those of the control (unthinned) stands. The mean annual basal area increment of dominant trees was 30–56% larger in the thinned plots compared to the control plots. Of 176 initial crop trees in the T1, 72% were chosen again during the last thinning. In the T2, 258 crop trees were chosen in the first thinning, and only 62% of these trees were chosen again during the last thinning. Only crown suppression and diameter classes of crop trees significantly influenced their basal area increment when diameter classes, crown size, crown suppression, and social status were tested. In the thinned stands, the dominant trees are more uniformly distributed if compared to the dominant trees in the control plots. Finally, the herbaceous cover and the species diversity were higher in the thinned plots.     

Soluble N compound profiles and concentrations in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) are influenced by local climate and thinning

We assessed seasonal changes of total soluble nonprotein nitrogen compounds (TSNN) in adult European beech trees (Fagus sylvatica, L.) growing under different local climate during the growing season immediately following a thinning treatment and 3 years later. In both years, samples of leaves, xylem sap and phloem exudates from beech trees growing in thinned and unthinned (control) stands on a dry, warm SW exposed and a cooler, moist NE exposed site were collected in May, July and September. In May of both years, asparagine (Asn) and glutamine (Gln) were most abundant in leaves and xylem, respectively, whereas arginine (Arg) dominated in the phloem. In July, TSNN concentrations decreased in all tissues and sites, but differences in water availability between aspects were reflected in TSNN concentrations. In September, differences in the increase of Arg concentration in the phloem were related to differences in the onset of senescence between treatments. Thinning treatment increased amino compound concentrations of beech tissues in July on both aspects, particularly at the NE thinned site. It is supposed that, the N balance of adult beech is favoured by both, the thinning treatments as well as the cool-moist climate prevailing at the NE aspect.     

Modelling natural drying of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) logs for energy based on meteorological data

A key factor for improving the whole fuel wood supply chain is moisture management. Moisture affects material quality, transport costs and revenue. The aim of this study was to develop a drying model for piled European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) logs based on meteorological data, employing the continuous weighing approach. Two drying cycles with three piles altogether were conducted. In the first one (February to October 2013) the moisture content of the pile dropped from 43.5% to 22.5%, whereas in the second one (December 2013 to March 2015), the moisture content of the 2 piles dropped from 42.1% and 40.5% to 20.6% and 19.8%, respectively. Model performance (R² adj?=?0.41) was validated by applying the model developed from the second cycle's data on the first cycle's data. Model's mean deviation in moisture content from the observed curve was ?0.41%?±?0.72%. Economic benefits and environmental impact were highlighted. Calorific value increased from 2.65 to 3.57?kWh?kg^–1 from February to October 2013. Truckload volume utilization increased by 25.1% and transported calorific value by 48.0%. The number of truck trips for transportation was reduced from nine to seven.     

Investigations on viruses from declining beech trees (Fagus sylvatica L.) in Rhineland and Westfalia,Federal Republic of Germany

Viruses of the Poty-, Potex- and Tobamo-virus groups, and presumably Nepoviruses could be isolated from degenerating beech trees (Fagus sylvatica L.) in West-Germany. They are discussed as predisposing factors of tree decline.     

High-pruning of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.): work efficiency for target pruning as a function of tree species,pruning height,branch characteristics,pole saw type and operator

The objective of this study was to establish an operational model of productive work time per tree (work efficiency) for high-pruning of young European beech and pedunculate oak depending on tree species, pruning height, branch characteristics, pole saw type and operator. The final model included all of these independent variables with branch characteristics specified in terms of number of live branches and cross-sectional area of the thickest branch at the cut. Work time increased with increasing values of each of the three numeric variables. For a given pruning height the size of the largest branch was for all practical purposes more influential than the number of live branches. Beech took 28% longer to prune than oak. The German Ergo-Schnitt saw was 21% slower than the Japanese Silky Hayauchi saw. The variation in worker performance within our study was larger than that attributed to tree species and pruning equipment.     

Xylem sap composition of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) trees: seasonal changes in the axial distribution of sulfur compounds

During different phases of the annual growth cycle, xylem sap was collected from trunk segments of adult beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) trees by the water displacement technique. Irrespective of the height of the trunk, both sulfate and reduced sulfur compounds were detected in the xylem sap throughout the year. Sulfate was the predominant sulfur compound in all samples analyzed. Its concentration in the xylem sap varied between 10 and 350 micro mol l(-1), with highest concentrations in April, shortly before bud break. In contrast to other tree species, cysteine and not glutathione was the predominant thiol transported in the xylem sap of beech trees. The cysteine concentration ranged between 0.1 and 1 micro mol l(-1). As observed for sulfate, maximum cysteine concentrations were found in April. Apparently, both sulfate and cysteine transport contribute to the sulfur supply of the developing leaves. Seasonal changes in the axial distribution of cysteine and sulfate differed, indicating differences in the source-sink relations of these sulfur compounds. High, but uniform, xylem sap sulfate concentrations in April may originate from balanced sulfate uptake by the roots, whereas high cysteine concentrations in April, increasing with increasing height of the trunk, may originate in part from protein breakdown in the trunk. Reversal of the axial distribution of xylem sap cysteine in late summer-early fall to higher concentrations in the lower part of the trunk than in the upper part of the trunk suggests that the upper part of the trunk becomes a sink for cysteine as a result of the synthesis of storage proteins at this time of the year.     

Impact of late frost events on radial growth of common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in Southern Germany

Phenological, temperature, and tree-ring data were used in order to identify and quantify the impact of late frosts on common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) at different altitudes in Southern Germany during the last century. For this intention, dendroecological investigations were made upon trees at the Meteorological Observatory Hohenpeißenberg as well as from seven stands in the Bavarian Forest and 17 stands at the northern fringe of the Alps. From these locations, a considerable number of severe growth minima in the tree-ring series could be related to late frost in the days of or immediately after leaf unfolding. The frequency of frost-related growth minima increases with altitude. In individual years, radial growth can be reduced by more than 90% (stand mean) in relation to the average growth of the ten previous years. Hence, late frosts are considered as important ecological events that strongly affect beech vitality and competitiveness especially at high altitudes. Evidence of significant impacts on radial growth by late frosts distinct before leaf unfolding or with temperatures above ?3°C was not found. Also, increasing frequency and intensity of late frosts during recent decades were not ascertained. Hence, the recently observed decreased vitality of common beech accompanied by growth depressions especially at high altitude sites in Central Europe cannot be explained as a consequence of late frost damage.     

Interspecific competition impacts on the morphology and distribution of fine roots in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.)

Morphology and vertical distribution patterns of spruce and beech live fine roots (diameter ≤2 mm) were studied using a soil core method in three comparable mature stands in the Solling: (1) pure beech, (2) pure spruce and (3) mixed spruce–beech. This study was aimed at determining the effects of interspecific competition on fine root structure and spatial fine root distribution of both species. A vertical stratification of beech and spruce fine root systems was found in the mixed stand due to a shift in beech fine roots from upper to lower soil layers. Moreover, compared to pure beech, a significantly higher specific root length (SRL, P<0.05) and specific surface area (SSA, P<0.05) were found for beech admixed with spruce (pure beech/mixed beech SRL 16.1–23.4 m g⁻¹, SSA 286–367 cm² g⁻¹). Both indicate a flexible ‘foraging’ strategy of beech tending to increase soil exploitation and space sequestration efficiency in soil layers less occupied by competitors. Spruce, in contrast, followed a more conservative strategy keeping the shallow vertical rooting and the root morphology quite constant in both pure and mixed stands (pure spruce/mixed spruce SRL 9.6/7.7 m g⁻¹, P>0.10; SSA 225/212 cm² g⁻¹, P>0.10). Symmetric competition belowground between mixed beech and spruce was observed since live fine roots of both species were under-represented compared to pure stand. However, the higher space sequestration efficiency suggests a higher competitive ability of beech belowground.     

Impacts of drought on mineral macro- and microelements in provenances of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seedlings

Beech seedlings originating from 11 German provenances with different climatic conditions were grown in pots and cultivated in a greenhouse. The composition of macro- and microelements in roots, axes and leaves was measured after half of the seedlings were subjected to a simulated summer drought. The recently described sensitivity of these provenances to drought was compared with drought-mediated changes in the elemental and ionic composition in organs of the seedlings; in addition, partitioning between roots and shoots was evaluated. A number of element concentrations were decreased in roots due to drought (K 94% of control, Mg 94%, Mn 75% and Zn 85%). However, chloride concentration increased in all organs (115-125%) and was the only element affected in leaves. Some changes in ionome can be related to sensitivity of provenances, but it is difficult to decide whether these changes are a result of, or a reason for, drought tolerance or sensitivity. Observed increases in chloride concentration in all plant parts of drought-treated beech seedlings can be explained by its function in charge balance, in particular since the level of phosphate was reduced. As a result of chloride accumulation, the sum of added charges of anions (and cations) in water extracts of leaf and root material was similar between drought and control plants. Since only the partitioning of Ca and Al (both only in axis) as well as Mn was affected and other elements (together with previously observed effects on C, N, S and P) remained unaffected by drought in all provenances, it can be concluded that direct effects by means of mass flow inhibition in xylem and phloem are unlikely. Secondary effects, for example on the pH of transport sap and the apoplastic space, cannot be excluded from the present study. These effects may affect partitioning between the apoplast and symplast and therefore may be significant for drought sensitivity.     

Phenological phases of common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and their dependence on region and altitude in Southern Germany

Long-term observational data of the phenological network of the German Weather Service (DWD) were used to derive the altitudinal dependence of leaf unfolding (LU), leaf discolouration (LD) and the length of the vegetation period (LD-LU) of common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in different regions of Southern Germany. Depending on altitude, the vegetation period starts in Bavaria between the 2nd and 24th May with a delay of around 2 days per 100 m altitude increase (averaged over the last 30 years). In Southern Bavaria, LU starts a few days earlier as well as increases slightly faster into higher altitudes than in the northern regions. This can be explained by a more favourable supply of warmth and radiation in the south. The end of the vegetation period, defined here as the beginning of LD, showed no altitudinal dependence, which reflects an interaction of endogenous and exogenous factors as triggers for LD. In the Bavarian Forest region, altitudinal dependences are strongly influenced by sites which are affected by cold-air tailback (‘Kaltluftstau’) was obtained. Hence, phenological gradients should only be derived and applied above a phenological inversion zone. The calculated vertical gradients for LU can be used together with available observational data to estimate the beginning of the forest vegetation period of beech for different altitudes of Bavaria.     

The influences of log storage and kiln drying climate on the colour of non-steamed beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) wood

Abstract

Discolouration during the drying of non-steamed beech is a major industrial concern. The generally preferred yellow-white colour can easily develop a reddish or dull grey appearance during drying. In this study, the influences of log storage time and kiln drying climate on the colour of non-steamed sawn beech have been investigated and quantified. Samples 27×87 mm in cross section were dried in laboratory kilns and the average colour, in CIELAB colour space was measured on dry planed surfaces using a photoelectric colorimeter. Log storage for 13 weeks under low-temperature conditions had no visible effect. The reddish discolouration is mainly temperature related while the greyish discolouration is mainly controlled by the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) during the initial drying. Within the investigated climate interval, the EMC was twice as important as temperature for the final colour. Regression models developed show that, as long as the EMC is kept below 15%, a temperature of up to 37°C can be allowed without any visually detectable discolouration.     

Exploratory study on the impregnation of Scots pine sapwood (Pinus sylvestris L.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) with different hot melting waxes

Scots pine sapwood (Pinus sylvestris L.) and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) were impregnated with five waxes. The experiments indicate deep penetration into pine sapwood. Besides the viscosity, an influence of the wax polarity is presumed. Wax penetrates pine wood deeply via the cross-section, but not sufficiently enough to impregnate longer construction elements. However, the radial wax uptake exceeds the uptake via the tangential orientation and guarantees complete soaking of the sapwood tissue. The lateral wax penetration within beech is quite low and irregular. In addition to the temperature, a prolonged process procedure is decisive for an increasing wax uptake. As such, beech wood vessel elements seem to be fully impregnable via the longitudinal surface after a longer process procedure.     

Influence of nitrogen fertilization on minerals, carbohydrates, amino acids and phenolic compounds in beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) leaves

Beginning in 1985, plots in a 120-year-old beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) stand in the province of Scania, southern Sweden were fertilized annually with ammonium nitrate. In August 1989, leaves from both fertilized and unfertilized trees were analyzed for mineral nutrients, soluble carbohydrates, amino acids and phenolic compounds. Leaf concentrations of total nitrogen were increased by N fertilization. Ammonium was not detected in the leaves, but NO(3) (-) was increased by up to 65% as a result of N fertilization. Nitrogen fertilization decreased foliar concentrations of P and Cu, leading to a nutrient imbalance relative to N. Of the free amino acids, glutamic acid and aspartic acid predominated and, together with glutamine and asparagine, were significantly increased by N fertilization. The concentrations of amides were 2-4 times higher in fertilized trees than in unfertilized trees. Soluble carbohydrates did not change in response to N fertilization, but total phenolic compounds decreased markedly. The reduced concentration of phenolics may explain the greater susceptibility to parasite attacks of trees exposed to N deposition and excess N.     

Response of planted beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) saplings to herbaceous and small shrubs control on clearcuts

The reaction of young beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) saplings on competition of two types of vegetation—(1) gramineous with mainly Agrostis capillaries, Calamagrostis epigejos, Deschampsia flexuosa, and (2) small shrubs with mainly Rubus fruticosus and R. idaeus—on clear cuts on two sites was studied for 2 years. Half the sample saplings were released from competing vegetation by repeated herbicide applications. This treatment significantly raised the diameter increment in both species at the site with higher competition intensity, and more strongly after the removal of small shrubs than after the removal of grasses. Sapling length increment was not significantly affected. After being released from small shrubs, saplings of both species developed a smaller specific fine root length (cm g⁻¹ fine root biomass) than unreleased saplings during the second year which was characterized by low rainfall. Root nitrogen concentration significantly increased after weed control in both vegetation types. Sapling foliar content of main nutritional elements was negatively related to dry mass and total chemical content of surrounding ground vegetation. Based on these results, a release from ground vegetation could be a useful tool to improve growth of planted beech and Douglas-fir saplings on sites with well-developed small shrubs competition (mainly by Rubus fruticosus and R. idaeus), or under fairly dry conditions.     

Decay dynamic of coarse and fine woody debris of a beech (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fagus sylvatica</Emphasis> L.) forest in Central Germany

Decay rates of woody debris were estimated and used to model the decay of various diameters of branches and stems in a beech stand in Central Germany. In addition, use of wood density, volume and mass loss to quantitatively describe the degree of decay was tested. The mass loss during decay could be described by a simple exponential function. Under the presented climatic conditions, beech coarse woody debris (CWD) with a diameter >10 cm decays completely in about 35 years. In the first 8 years of decay the mass loss is determined by the decrease in wood density, and subsequently by the loss in volume. Estimation of wood density allows the first three of the four classes of decay to be distinguished, while trees in the last two decay classes could be distinguished using wood volume. Beech fine woody debris with a diameter between 1 and 10 cm decays within about 18 years. The litter fraction of <1 cm is part of the humus layer after 4 years. If there are goals for the amounts, types and dimensions of woody debris to be provided for conservation of biological biodiversity and other ecological functions in managed beech forests, this study offer indications for how long existing woody debris can meet its functions and how frequent new input of CWD is required.     

Long-term effects of stump harvesting on soil properties and tree growth in Scots pine and Norway spruce stands

Abstract

Effects of stump harvesting on the properties of surface soil and on the density, structure and growth of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) stands were estimated in a field trial in western Finland. The experiment was established in 1977 and measured in 2010. Stems and logging residues were harvested after clear-cutting, and stumps were lifted and removed from half of the experimental area. Sixteen plots were planted with pine seedlings and 16 with spruce. The main effects of stump harvesting were improved survival of planted trees and an increase in natural regeneration. No clearly negative effects were noted in the stand development. Stump harvesting had no or minimal effects on the properties of the organic layer and those of the 0- to 10-cm mineral-soil layer. Soil properties did not differ between tree species. Pine production was higher on plots with stump removal compared to plots without soil treatment.     

Models for predicting height and diameter of individual trees in young Picea abies (L) karst. stands

Models for predicting height and diameter of individual trees in young Picea abies (L.) Karst. stands were developed. Data collected in a large survey of young forest stands in Sweden (the HUGIN young stand survey) were used in the construction of the models. Models were developed both with and without competition indices included. When constructing the competition indices trees within three metres from the subject tree were regarded as competitors. Functions with competition indices included (distance dependent) will be useful in analyses of the development of stands with different stand structure, whereas functions without competition indices (distance independent) will be useful in systems for long‐term forecasts of yield.     

Compared effects of competition by grasses (Graminoids) and broom (Cytisus scoparius) on growth and functional traits of beech saplings (Fagus sylvatica)

? The effect of two weeds (grasses and broom, Cytisus scoparius) competition on the growth and functional traits of European beech saplings (Fagus sylvatica) was investigated in an experimental plantation in the French Massif central.

? We hypothesized that grasses would have a much more harmful effect than broom on beech growth through strong competition for soil water and nitrogen.

? A randomized block design was used with three separate blocks, each possessing three types of vegetation; grasses (mainly Agrostis capillaris, Holcus mollis and H. lanatus), broom, and bare soil as a control.

? Two years after plantation beech sapling growth was significantly greater in bare soil than with competition from grasses, and was intermediate on broom. Growth was positively correlated with beech leaf nitrogen content (N_m) and xylem water potential (Ψ_x). N and Ψ_x were dependent, with nitrogen uptake probably decreasing with increasing drought. There was no clear correlation between growth and light transmitted 10 cm below the apex of the saplings.

? Beech leaf mass on an area basis (LMA) was correlated with the three resource variables (water, nitrogen and light) and with growth, confirming that LMA is a sensitive functional trait integrating the degree of stress experienced by the saplings.

? The results suggest that broom is less competitive than grasses and, if properly managed on a sufficiently well-watered site, can generate satisfactory conditions for beech establishment and growth.

     

Influence of light availability on growth, leaf morphology and plant architecture of beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.), maple ( Acer pseudoplatanus L.) and ash ( Fraxinus excelsior L.) saplings

In a field study, we measured saplings of beech, ash and maple growing in a fairly even-aged mixed-species thicket established by natural regeneration beneath a patchy shelterwood canopy with 3–60% of above canopy radiation reaching the saplings. Under low light conditions, maple and ash showed a slight lead in recent annual length increment compared with beech. With increasing light, ash and maple constantly gained superiority in length increment, whereas beech approached an asymptotic value above 35% light. A suite of architectural and leaf morphological attributes indicated a more pronounced ability of beech to adapt to shade than ash and maple. Beech displayed its leaves along the entire tree height (with a concentration in the middle crown), yielding a higher live crown ratio than ash and maple. It allocated biomass preferentially to radial growth which resulted in low height to diameter ratios, and expressed marked plagiotropic growth in shade indicating a horizontal light-foraging strategy. In addition, beech exhibited the highest specific leaf area, a greater total leaf area per unit tree height, a slightly greater leaf area index, and a greater plasticity to light in total leaf area. Ash and maple presented a “gap species” growth strategy, characterized by a marked and constant response in growth rates to increasing light and an inability to strongly reduce their growth rates in deep shade. In shade, they showed some plasticity in displaying most of their leaf area at the top of the crown to minimize self-shading and to enhance light interception. Through this, particularly, maple developed an “umbrella” like crown. These species-specific responses may be used for controlling the development of mixed-species regeneration in shelterwood systems.