Climate change impacts on stand structure and competitive interactions in a southern Swedish spruce–beech forest

It is believed that European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) will increase its competitive ability at its northern range margin in Scandinavia due to climate change. In mixed old-growth forests of beech and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) at Siggaboda nature reserve (southern Sweden), stand structure characteristics were sequentially recorded in the years 2004, 2005 and 2007 as well as growth in stem diameter using tree-coring analyses. Using these measurements, we studied the effects on stand dynamics of an extreme storm event (2005 “Gudrun” hurricane), drought and heat (mid-summer 2006, spring 2007) and subsequent bark beetle attacks on spruce (growing season 2007), overlaid with warming tendencies. The storm, which caused disastrous damage in many stands nearby, had comparatively little impact on the structure of the spruce–beech stand. All together, only 32 trees (19 spruces, 10 beeches, 3 other species) per hectare were thrown or broken mainly in the leeward direction (NE) or impacted by secondary damage by uprooted neighbour trees; this represents 7% of the total tree number and 11% of the growing stock. Diameter and height structure did not change significantly. However, the 2006 drought and the 2007 attack of biotic agents changed the stand structure and composition strongly due to the death of about 19% of the dominating older spruce trees that accounted for 35% of total stand volume. This resulted in a considerable increase in beech’s contribution to stem number (4% increase) and wood volume of the living stand (7% increase). A comparison of diameter growth of beech and spruce during the periods 1894–1949 and 1950–2005 showed a distinct decrease in growth superiority of spruce during the last 50 years. These results support the idea of a northward migration of European beech as a nemoral tree species in Sweden, due to a higher tolerance to the abiotic and biotic threats accompanying climate change and an increased competitive ability compared to boreal tree species Norway spruce.     

Effects of root trenching of overstorey Norway spruce (Piceaabies) on growth and biomass of underplanted beech (Fagussylvatica) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii) saplings

In Central Europe, the conversion of pure Norway spruce stands (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) into mixed stands with beech (Fagus silvatica L.) and other species like e.g. Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) is accomplished mainly by underplanting of seedlings beneath the canopy of overstorey spruce trees after partial cutting treatments what means exposure to shade and below-ground root competition by the overstorey to the seedlings. Particularly about the second factor, our knowledge is limited. Therefore, we carried out a below-ground competition exclusion experiment by root trenching and investigated the effects on soil resources, growth, and biomass partitioning of underplanted beech and Douglas fir saplings under target diameter and strip cutting treatments. The exclusion of overstorey root competition by trenching increased the soil water potential in the second year that had a fairly dry growing season and led to significantly higher foliar concentrations of most nutrients, particularly in Douglas fir, indicating an amended nutrient supply. Both improvements were accompanied by an increase in length and diameter increment of the underplanted saplings, appearing in both species only after having surpassed a species-specific threshold light value (Douglas fir 16% of above canopy radiation, beech 22%). We also found significant interactions between trenching and light for specific fine root length and further biomass and morphological parameters. Judged by the much steeper increase in height and diameter growth with increasing light after release from below-ground competition, Douglas fir saplings appeared to be more sensitive to root competition than beech saplings what conforms to older findings for beech. According to our results, a strip cutting seems to be more appropriate than a target diameter cutting treatment to replace a pure spruce stand by a mixed stand with beech and Douglas fir.     

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.     

Influence of slope position, stand type and rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) on litter decomposition rates of Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky.) and spruce [Picea orientalis (L.) Link]

Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky.) and Oriental spruce [Picea orientalis (L.) Link] are the two most common tree species in northeast Turkey. Their distribution, stand type and understorey species are known to be influenced by topographical landforms. However, little information is available as to how these changes affect litter decomposition rates of these two species. Here, we investigated the effects of slope positions (top 1,800 m, middle 1,500 m and bottom 1,200 m), stand type (pure and mixed stands) and purple-flowered rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) on litter decomposition rates of Oriental beech and spruce for 4 years using the litterbag technique in the field. Among these three factors, stand type had the strongest influence on litter decomposition (P < 0.001, F = 58.8), followed by rhododendron (P < 0.001, F = 46.8) and slope position (P < 0.05, F = 11.6). Litter decomposition was highest under mixed beech/spruce forest, followed by pure beech and spruce forest. Beech and spruce litter decomposed much faster in mixed bags (beech–spruce) than they did separately under each stand type. Purple-flowered rhododendron significantly reduced litter decomposition of Oriental beech and spruce. Beech and spruce litter decomposed much slower at top slope position than at either bottom or middle position. Differential litter decomposition of Oriental beech and spruce was mainly due to adverse conditions in spruce forest and the presence of rhododendron on the ground which was associated with lower soil pH. Higher elevations (top slope position) slowed down litter decomposition by changing environmental conditions, most probably by decreasing temperature as also other factors are different (pH, precipitation) and no detailed investigations were made to differentiate these factors. The adverse conditions for litter decomposition in spruce forest can be effectively counteracted by admixture of beech to spruce monoculture and by using the clear-cutting method for controlling rhododendron.     

Stand density and growth of Norway spruce (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Picea abies</Emphasis> (L.) Karst.) and European beech (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fagus sylvatica</Emphasis> L.): evidence from long-term experimental plots

On the basis of nine Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and ten European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) thinning experiments in Germany, for which both residual and removed stock had been registered first during 1870, I scrutinize how moderate and heavy thinning from below (B-, C-grade) affects the production of merchantable volume compared with light thinning (A-grade). In relation to A-grade, cumulative merchantable volume (CV) of B- and C-grade amounts in average to 103–107% in juvenile and to 97–102% in mature Norway spruce stands. The corresponding findings for European beech are 101–106% and 94–102%. CV of individual stands varies between 89% and 130% for Norway spruce and 73% and 155% for European beech (CV of A-grade = 100%). These findings are substantiated by the relation between stand density (SDI) and periodic annual increment (PAI). On the B- and C-grade plots of spruce and beech, respectively, SDI was reduced down to 41–91% and 31–83% of the A-grade. When SDI is reduced in young stands, PAI follows a unimodal curve. Norway spruce’s PAI culminates in 109% if SDI is reduced to 59%; European beech’s PAI culminates in 123% when density is reduced to 50%. Whereas Norway spruce’s growth reacts most positively on thinning under poor site conditions and with increment reduction on favourable sites, European beech behaves oppositely. With stand development the culmination point of the unimodal relation moves towards maximum density, so that in older stands PAI follows the increasing pattern, which is the left portion of a unimodal curve. A model is presented which apparently unifies contradictory patterns of stand density–growth reactions by integrating relative stand density, average tree size and site fertility effects, and makes the findings operable for forest management.     

Modelling above and below ground carbon dynamics in a mixed beech and spruce stand influenced by climate

Tree growth and carbon dynamics are important issues especially in the context of climate change. However, we essentially lack knowledge about the effects on carbon dynamics especially in mixed stands. Thus, the objective of this study was to test the effects of climatic changes on the above and below ground carbon dynamics of a mixed stand of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) by means of scenario simulations. To account for the typical tree interactions in a mixed-species stand a spatial explicit tree growth model based on eco-physiological processes was applied. Three different climate scenarios considering altered precipitation, temperature, and radiation were calculated for an unthinned and a thinned stand. The results showed significant changes of above and belowground biomass over time, especially when temperature and radiation were increased additionally to decreased precipitation. The reduction in biomass increments of Norway spruce were more attenuated above than below ground. In contrast, the results for beech were the opposite: The belowground increments were reduced more. These results suggest a shift in the species contribution to above and belowground biomass under dryer and warmer conditions. Distinct effects were also found when thinned and unthinned stands were compared. A reduced stand density changed the proportions of above and below ground carbon allocation. As a main reason for the changed growth reactions the water balance of trees was identified which lead to changed biomass allocation pattern. This article belongs to the special issue “Growth and defence of Norway spruce and European beech in pure and mixed stands”.     

Regeneration growth in different light environments of mixed species, multiaged, mountainous forests of Romania

Growth of regenerating trees in different light environments was studied for the mountainous, mixed-species forests in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. The primary species in these mixtures were silver fir (Abies alba Mill.), European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst). Seedlings/saplings of these species were selected and measured in different stands from two different geographical locations. Regenerating trees were measured for height and diameter growth during the summer of 2002. For each seedling/sapling, percentage of above canopy light (PACL) and stand basal area (BA) were used to assess available and occupied growing space respectively. Regeneration growth was compared against these two variables and regression relationships were developed. Using these models, we predicted the dynamics of regeneration as both growth and species composition. Our results showed that in low-light environments (PACL<20–35%; BA>30 m²/ha), shade tolerant fir and beech clearly outcompeted the spruce. Therefore, in dense stands, spruce could be eliminated by the shade tolerant species. For intermediate levels of cover (PACL=35–70%; BA=15–35 m²/ha) the spruce grew at comparable rates as the beech and fir. All three species showed similar growth rates in open conditions (PACL>80–90%; BA<15–20 m²/ha) with the spruce having a tendency to outgrow the others. However, in terms of establishment, such conditions favor spruce and inhibit fir and beech.     

Relationships between local stand density and local species composition and nutrient content in the topsoil of pure and mixed stands of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.)

This study examined topsoil samples from the humic mineral horizon in four pure silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and five mixed stands with beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), spruce (Picea abies L.; Karst.) and pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). In every stand, 60–70 sampling locations were chosen using a stratified random scheme that represented a gradient in local stand density and local species composition. One working hypothesis was that stand density and species composition affect the content of nutrients in the mineral humic soil horizon. Specifically, the analysis statistically tested for relationships between general and species-specific local stand density measures (basal area, sum of tree diameters weighted by distance, canopy openness) and the contents of total C, total N (in four stands), base cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺) and Mn²⁺ (in nine stands). A considerable variation in nutrient concentrations was observed; the coefficients of variation ranged from 0.21 to 0.38 for N, from 0.20 to 0.94 for the sum of base cations and from 0.56 to 0.95 for Mn. However, no clear relationship emerged between local stand density and the concentration of N and base cations; in five stands, manganese showed a negative correlation with local stand density. In the mixed fir-beech stand, significantly higher concentrations of Ca, K and Mn were found in the vicinity of beeches, and species-specific stand density explained up to 15, 29 and 34% of total variation in the content of these elements, respectively. Similar tendencies also appeared in the mixed stands with pine, although the relationships were weak. The results obtained for two fir-spruce stands were ambiguous. In sum, in the stands studied, small canopy gaps and inter-crown openings might not be considered ‘‘nutrient hot spots’’, and the admixed species, except for beech, had an insignificant effect on nutrient content in the humic mineral horizon.     

Evaluation of mature conifer plantations as secondary habitat for epigeic forest arthropods (Coleoptera: Carabidae; Araneae)

Spiders (Araneae) and ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) were studied in a woodland of the Northwest German lowland. An ancient oak–beech stand (170 years old) growing on mineral soil as well as a 110-year-old Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and a 55-year-old spruce (Picea spp.) forest growing on peat were investigated by pitfall trapping. A total of 155 species (39 carabids, 116 spiders) and 16,887 individuals (5269 carabids, 11,618 spiders) was recorded. Beetle diversity was high in the oak–beech stand and the spruce forest, but significantly lower in the pine forest. In both conifer plantations the activity density of carabids was considerably lower. Spider diversity was significantly higher in the spruce forest when compared to the beech and pine stand, respectively. Analyses of assemblage similarity distinguished clearly the fauna of all three stands. For each forest type, indicator species were detected. Although both conifer plantations were planted on former bogs, spider species typical of bogs were present only in the pine stand, not in the spruce stand. In both animal taxa, species typical of deciduous forests were more numerous and abundant in the oak–beech stand when compared to the conifer plantations. Although they were in direct contact, the conifer stands on peat only to a very low extent serve as secondary habitats for the epigeic fauna of the autochthonous deciduous woodland. During the 1990s, various agricultural programmes in Central Europe promoted such conifer plantations – in contrast, such afforestation measures on extensively used or fallow land of former bogs are not supported by the results of this study.     

Root anchorage and stem strength of black spruce (Picea mariana) trees in regular and irregular stands

A tree winching experiment was conducted, simulating wind actionand resulting damage, in order to assess mechanical resistanceof black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) trees in standsof regular and irregular structures. The critical bending moment(M_c) of winched trees was determined and the relationship betweenM_c and tree and stand characteristics was investigated throughstatistical analyses. Stem mass (SW), average spacing betweentrees (S) and height:diameter ratio (H/d.b.h.) were initiallyselected by a screening procedure to predict M_c. Potential differencesbetween stand structures were tested in mixed models using differentsubsets of the data. Included fixed effects varied between thedifferent models. SW was the most useful and significant variablein all models and H/d.b.h. was significant only when snappedtrees were included in the analysis. When decayed samples wereexcluded, resistance to uprooting was higher in irregular stands.Decay seemed to play an important role in irregular stands andshould be investigated further. Since no difference was observedin the relationship between stem mass and critical turning momentbetween distant sites, relationships should be applicable acrosswide regions. This study provides some of the basic relationshipsrequired to model windthrow risk in irregular stands. However,the effects of stand structure on wind load for individual treeswill also need to be considered.     

Wind and snow damage in a thinning and fertilization experiment in Picea abies in southern Sweden

Changes in susceptibility to wind and snow damage due to thinningand fertilization were examined in even aged Norway spruce (Piceaabies (L.) Karst.) stands in southern Sweden. The stands arepart of a nationwide experiment to investigate growth and yieldfollowing different thinning and fertilization regimes establishedbetween 1966 and 1983. The material used in this study included16 replications of seven treatments. The treatments were: threelevels of thinning from below (20–70 per cent); 20 percent thinning from above; thinning from below in combinationwith N and NP fertilization (thinning percentage 25–28per cent); and unthinned control. The stands have been censusedtwice for damage during an average period of 12 years. The degree of wind and snow induced damage varied between 9and 20 per cent of the basal area increment produced duringthe observation period. For treatments with high basal arearemoval, the highest relative number of trees damaged by windoccured during the first period after thinning. The denseststands (i.e. unthinned controls and stands thinned from above)showed a high proportion of snow damage throughout the observationperiod. The block effect was in general more significant thanthe effect of treatments on damage level. When analysing theinfluence of the block effect (i.e. of site and stand characteristics)on damage level, wind damage was best predicted by stand basalarea left after thinning and stand age, while snow damage wasbest predicted by latitude, altitude, site index, and standage. On average the tested site and stand characteristics explained17 per cent of the variation in wind damage and 36 per centin snow damage.     

The response of ground vegetation to structural change during forest conversion in the southern Black Forest

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of forest conversion on forest floor vegetation. ‘Ecological’ forest conversion, as defined by an interdisciplinary southern Black Forest project group, describes the transformation of even-aged spruce (Picea abies L. H. Karst.) stands to structured continuous cover forests consisting of spruce (Picea abies), silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). In order to analyse the conversion process, four conversion stages were defined in a conceptual forest development model. Four forest districts deemed to be representative of the southern Black Forest region were selected for the study. The ground vegetation was initially classified independently from the stand structures. Subsequently, the relationship between stand structures, as determined by development stage, and ground vegetation was analysed. It was revealed that forest conversion modified the ground vegetation. The main factors influencing ground vegetation were the influence of broadleaves, predominately beech (F. sylvatica), on the canopy composition and litter coverage on the one hand; and the canopy coverage of spruce, the proportion of needle litter and the associated light penetration on the other. The prevalence of moss and vascular plant species preferring acidic sites found in spruce forests decreased during the transition process, whereas, species requiring a moderate base supply increased in abundance. The continuous cover forest representing the final stage of conversion increasingly contained a mixture of ground vegetation species normally associated exclusively with either conifer or deciduous forest. Due to the fact that there is an associated ground vegetation specific to the different stages of forest conversion in stands dominated by Norway spruce or European beech and a mixture in the latest conversion stages, large-scale forest conversion should be avoided in favour of management promoting a diversity of silvicultural goals and treatments in neighbouring stands. Only a variety of treatments ensures the maintenance of floristic diversity in the long-term.     

Risk of Snow Damage in Unmanaged and Managed Stands of Scots Pine,Norway Spruce and Birch

The aim of this study was to assess the risk of snow damage to trees in unmanaged and managed stands of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] and birch (Betula spp.) over a rotation. The risk assessment was based on the prediction of critical snow loads in interaction with the windspeed at which trees can be expected to break or be uprooted, and on the frequency of long-term extremes of precipitation and of suitable temperature conditions for the accumulation of snow on the tree crowns. The Scots pine stands were found to be more susceptible to snow damage than the others, and an unmanaged stand of Scots pine to be more susceptible to break and uproot than a managed one. Correspondingly, an unmanaged stand of Norway spruce was more susceptible to stem breakage than a managed one, but less susceptible to uprooting. Neither unmanaged nor managed birch stands were likely to suffer any kind of snow damage. The susceptibility of unmanaged stands is caused by low tapering of the trees. Based on the frequency of long-term extremes in precipitation at the temperatures needed for snow accumulation on tree crowns, critical snow loads of 10-19, 20-29 and 30-39 kg m^-2 occurred 19.3, 3.3 and 1.3 times in a decade in southern Finland. Critical snow loads of 10-19, 20-29, 30-39 and 60-69 kg m^-2 occurred in northern Finland 17.0, 6.3, 1.7 and 0.3 times in a decade.     

Spatiotemporal dynamic of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in Slovenia, 1970–2005

Based on data acquired from the spatial information system Silva-SI, the majority of the entire forest area in Slovenia (22,220 forest compartments with a total area of 7446 km², classified into eight forest categories) was analysed for changes in the distribution of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in the period 1975–2005 using a binary logistic regression model in terms of selected site, stand and management variables. Additionally, changes in the abundance of beech in forest stands in which beech was present at the beginning and the end of the analysed period were analysed. Beech expanded its area by more than 1200 ha per year on average, i.e. the annual expansion rate amounted to 0.24%. Among the 18 studied variables, three site, four stand and no management variables were included in the binary logistic regression model of beech expansion. Beech expansion was more pronounced at lower altitudes, on sites with steep topography, and on sites with a higher proportion of beech in potential natural vegetation. The probability of beech expansion reduced by a factor of 0.54 when the distance to the nearest compartment with beech increased by 1 km. Among other stand variables, the proportion of early successional phases and the proportion of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) also influenced the expansion of beech. During the observed period the growing stock of beech almost doubled, its proportion in total growing stock increasing from 27% to 32%. Significant differences were found in changes of beech proportion in the total growing stock among different forest categories; a decrease in the beech proportion was registered in alpine coniferous forests and thermophilous deciduous forests, while in other forest categories the proportion of beech increased. The recent development of forest stands and their current structure indicate a further expansion of beech and an increase in the proportion of beech in forest stands.     

An assessment of rainfall modification in mountainous ecosystems dominated by Fagus sylvatica L. and Picea abies (L.) Karst. (Western Balkans,Bulgaria) by multivariate analyses

Bulk precipitation, throughfall, and stemflow samples were collected in Petrohan site (Western Balkan, Bulgaria), operating in the framework of the Long-Term Ecological Research network, during a 6-year period (1995–2000). This mountain area is characterized by the presence of beech and spruce forests (Fagus sylvatica L. and Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and is utilized for drinking water supply. All samples were analyzed for pH and major inorganic anions (Cl^?, NO₃ ^?, and SO₄ ^2?) and cations (Ca²⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, and NH₄ ⁺). Results show that bulk precipitation in this region is mainly acidic (pH = 5.1), and the dominant neutralization components in the rainwater are Ca²⁺ and NH₄ ⁺. As for Ca²⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl^?, and SO₄ ^2?, they are not originated by marine source. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis were used for investigating the possible sources contributing to the chemical composition of the bulk precipitation and its possible modifications during the passing through beech and spruce stands. Results highlight that local and long-range transport-related anthropogenic sources and natural sources contribute to the anion and cation content of the bulk precipitation. The enrichment of the solution through the foliage made up of dry depositions is significant in both stands, but canopy leaching processes are much greater in the spruce forest, especially for Ca²⁺. As for the stemflow, it follows the same pattern as the throughfall, but N uptake and a strong K⁺ and Mg²⁺ leaching are observed mainly in the spruce stand.     

The effects of Douglas-fir on tree-specific arthropod communities in mixed species stands with European beech and Norway spruce

The ecological effects of planting exotic Douglas-fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco] in Central Europe are still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to answer the question of whether Douglas-fir affects tree specific arthropod communities in different mature forest types (Douglas-fir, spruce and beech dominated) in Southern Germany. Therefore, arthropod communities of stem and tree crown strata of Douglas-fir and spruce (Picea abies L.) were sampled in the years 1999–2001 using arboreal photo-eclectors and flight interception traps. Statistical analysis was conducted for all species and focused on conifer specialists at three levels: (1) species diversity, (2) guild structure and (3) community structure. Within the stem stratum, species diversity was significantly higher on spruce than on Douglas-fir independent of year and stand composition. This could not be explained by a single feeding guild, rather by species changing strata during the vegetation period. In contrast, species diversity in tree crowns was approximately the same for both conifer species. However, communities in Douglas-fir crowns were conspicuously different from those in spruce crowns, especially in the Douglas-fir dominated stand type. While zoophagous insects exhibited higher activity on Douglas-fir in 2000, xylophagous beetles were more abundant on spruce in 2001. In European beech stands with widely spaced Douglas-fir trees, the site specific and broad-leaved tree related fauna might be maintained. In addition, Douglas-fir with its resource of Adelges cooleyi and crowns that overtop the broad-leaved tree canopy, offer additional resources for several aphidophagous and thermophile species.     

Factors affecting the probability of windthrow at stand level as a result of Gudrun winter storm in southern Sweden

A storm in January 2005 in southern Sweden (Gudrun) caused large damage to forests, archaeological sites, buildings, power supply, telecommunications, and infrastructure. In this work, we analyzed the factors affecting the probability of windthrow at stand level (i.e. tree- and stand characteristics) in southern Sweden. We selected a sub-sample (1721 plots) of existing plots from the Swedish National Forest Inventory (inventoried in 2003 and 2004). To assess whether these plots had suffered damage or not, aerial photographs were taken in summer 2005. In order to analyze the effects of measured characteristics on damage, field data for each sub-sample plot were merged with the corresponding result of the aerial photo interpretation.We found that the plots damaged were typically well stocked mature stands, dominated by Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), and often also recently thinned. Probability of damage increased with increase in stand height. In mixed stands, decrease of proportion of Norway spruce decreased the probability of damage. An admixture of deciduous trees, leafless in this winter storm, showed larger effect in this sense than that of Scots pine.     

Forest management and forest state in southern Sweden before and after the impact of storm Gudrun in the winter of 2005

About three times the annual cut in southern Sweden (Götaland) was damaged by the storm Gudrun in January 2005, i.e. almost as much as the normal annual cut for all of Sweden. To establish any differences in forest management and state before and after the storm, measures such as growing stock volume, age-class distribution, and species composition were analyzed within the damaged area. As a reference the situation before and after the storm within the area in Götaland not damaged by the storm was also analyzed. For all analyses, sample plots from the Swedish National Forest Inventory were used. Results based on mean values for the years 2000–2004/2005–2009 showed that the total growing stock for the damaged area decreased by approximately 30 million m³ after the storm. This was mainly caused by a decrease in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst). Annual growth for pine, spruce, and deciduous trees decreased by 1.8 million m³ in the damaged area. This mainly included stands already thinned and not, as expected, in the stands ready for final felling. Also, the proportional area within each of the age classes 21–40, 41–60, and 61–80 years decreased. The storm led to an increased area in immediate need of precommercial thinning. No changes in choice of species when regenerating could be observed. Furthermore, only marginal adaptation by forest owners to future risk of wind throw could be detected.     

Ice Damage in a Chronosequence of Agroforestry Pine Plantations in Arkansas,USA

Abstract

Acute (broken and leaning) and transient (bending) damage to loblolly pine (Pinus taedaL.) were assessed in a case study of experimental agroforestry plantations following a December 2000 ice storm. Stand ages were 7-, 9-, and 17-years-old and tree density ranged from 150 to 3,360 trees ha^?1 in rectangular and multi-row configurations. Wider tree spacing or lower stand density of 7-year-old trees increased stem breakage, while closer spacing increased bending. There was substantial straightening of bent 7-year-old trees 8 months after the storm, and this recovery was determined more by degree of initial bend rather than height or diameter. Nine-year-old loblolly pine had 19% more top breakage and 59% more stem breakage than shortleaf pine (P. echinataMill.) (P < 0.001). Agroforestry design influenced ice damage in 7-year-old stands, but no design had catastrophic loss. Thinning from above caused an increased susceptibility of ice damage to a 17-year-old stand compared to a nonthinned stand. The case study supports the cultivation of loblolly pine in areas prone to ice damage.     

Structure of mixed Picea abies (L) Karst,and Betula pendula Roth and Betula pubescens Ehrh. stands in South and middle Sweden

Observed diameter distributions of forest stands are adapted to the Johnson S _b probability function. The stands investigated are untreated mixed stands of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and birch (Betula pendula Roth and Betula pubescens Ehrh.) aged between 20 and 32 years. The adaptation of the Johnson S_b probability function is made both on mixed spruce and birch, and on each species separately. Altogether 156 observations were tested with observed distributions against calculated distributions in the Kolmo‐gorov‐Smirnov test. The fractiles are predicted with multiple regression and two multivari‐ate techniques, simultaneous‐equation models (multivariate regression) and partial least squares with latent variables. The independent variables are characteristics of site and stand. Both multivariate methods predict diameter distribution well when tested.