Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) is naturally a principal tree species in the upper and summit parts of the Jizerské hory Mts., nonetheless, a broadleaved admixture, such as European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.), birch (Betula sp.), sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) etc., was typical of the local indigenous forests. The broadleaved admixture has been reduced due to human activities in the course of history.Moreover, during the air-pollution disaster in the 1970s and 1980s, the allochthonous conifers were often cultivated in the most affected mountain parts (Pěnička 2007) for their better pollution resistance. Blue spruce (Picea pungens Engelmann) is the most important representative. At present, when the disaster is over and the air-pollution input to the forest ecosystems is lowered, these allochthonous stands should successively be converted into stands composed of more convenient native tree species (Balcar, Kacálek 2008a).The young coniferous plantations, which have replaced the old forests disturbed by pollution, are The aim of the experiment was to test the suitability of Alnus incana to form preparatory stands covering the site and thus enabling the reintroduction of more sensitive target species. A potential of Alnus incana to respond to slow-release fertilizing was tested as well. The control treatment showed sufficient growth dynamics, nevertheless, the fertilization significantly promoted the growth (documented by height, height increment and stem-base diameter). If some limitations of alder such as high light requirements are respected, the speckled alder can be recommended as a suitable species for preparatory stands even in the 7 th and 8 th altitudinal (vegetation) zones, especially when fertilized.
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