Regeneration niches of Norway spruce (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Picea abies</Emphasis> [L.] Karst.) saplings in small canopy gaps in mixed mountain forests of the Bavarian Limestone Alps |
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Authors: | Roland Baier Jörg Meyer Axel Göttlein |
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Institution: | (1) TUM - Department of Ecology, Forest nutrition and water resources, Am Hochanger 13, 85354 Freising, Germany |
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Abstract: | Natural regeneration measurements are the main silvicultural objective in overaged protective forests of the Bavarian Limestone
Alps. While manifold problems with these stands, especially the impact of browsing, are widely recognised, the regeneration
niches of Norway spruce (Picea abies L.] Karst.) are insufficiently known. The purpose of this study was to determine favourable combinations of site factors
for the development of spruce in small, unfenced canopy gaps, located on Aposerido-Fagetum caricetosum albae forest sites. We recorded the occurrence of spruce saplings (as dependent variable) and of six site factors (as independent
variables) on 480 0.5 m2-subplots. In addition, we estimated the coverage of six acid adapted plant species to determine correlations with the humus
depth. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to predict the probability of the occurrence of a spruce sapling in
dependency of the different site factors. Supported by other studies, we assumed that the supply of solar radiation was adequate
for the sufficient regeneration of spruce within the canopy gaps. Other site factors significantly determined the regeneration
niches of spruce saplings. More spruce saplings were found near hindrances and on rough surfaces than would be expected from
a random occurrence of saplings. These microsite types may have characteristics, especially protection against snow gliding
that promotes spruce establishment. A calculated “hindrance index”, which accounted for the number, and the distance of surrounding
hindrances might be a good specific value to describe the influence of hindrances on steep slopes. The sapling establishment
decreased on thin humus layers. Our assumption for the sites was that thick organic layers might represent a good seedbed
for spruce. Decayed dead wood was scarce, but was exceedingly favoured by spruce saplings. Results obtained suggest that the
natural regeneration establishment of spruce on steep slopes can be successfully influenced by site factors which inhibit
the influence of snow gliding. According to a “positive microsite” concept, we recommend for artificial regeneration measurements
with spruce, microsites close to hindrances (e.g. stumps, downed trees) and Vaccinium myrtillus as a predictor for thick, acid humus layers. |
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Keywords: | Picea abies Regeneration niches Safe sites Dolomite Bavarian Limestone Alps |
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