Different technologies of floodplain forest regeneration from the aspect of soil changes

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Like in other types of forests the greatest changes in the soil of floodplain forest stands occur during their regeneration. These changes are manifested as changes in the content and dynamics of organic matter in the soil. Research was conducted in oak and ash floodplain forests in the eastern part of Croatia and in southern Moravia in the Czech Republic. The results showed that the type and extent of these changes depended, in addition to environmental factors, also on the technology of forest regeneration. The natural regeneration of oak in floodplain forests of Spačva (eastern Croatia) protects soil from dramatic changes in soil by successive regeneration felling and that it retains the plant cover permanently. The weight of organic matter on the soil surface is increased after regeneration till the period when the effect of thinning becomes evident (about 70 years). In the surface mineral layer of soil the pH value increases after shelterwood felling. Stand regeneration with clear-cutting results in a rapid change in the conditions of surface humus accumulation and decomposition. The process of organic residue accumulation is interrupted in the clearings. In the preparation of soil/site by ploughing, the concentrations of nitrogen and carbon slightly decrease. The management impact depends on the method of site preparation for the establishment of a new stand. The selection of a method of the floodplain forest regeneration (particularly of oak) is markedly dependent on actual ecological conditions and on ecological and historical experience of the given region. Matić (1996, 2003a,b), Oršanić and Drvodelić (2007) consider natural regeneration of oak to be a method which preserves the uninterrupted development of forest sites and biocoenoses being realized during 3 stages (preparatory felling, seed felling and final felling). In addition to this, Houšková et al. (2007) drew a conclusion: "Natural regeneration of pedunculate oak cannot be fully relied on in the Czech Republic due to the long-term absence of rich mast years and it is, therefore, necessary to continue the planning of artificial regeneration. "Farm forestry (alternate forest and farm crops) as one of the methods of clear-felling regeneration shows potential negative impacts on the soil environment (Libus et al. 2007), particularly decreasing porosity and water retention capacity at a depth of 25 to 35 cm. Soil/site preparation by ploughing shows also negative impacts due to decreased accumulation of carbon.From the aspect of the ecosystem approach in the floodplain forest management, attention is also paid (in addition to maintaining the high production level of the ecosystem tree layer) to other components, such as preserving and increasing biodiversity at the level of communities and species, nature and water resources protection and the function of forests in the landscape and socioeconomic consequences.Problems of these functions were also dealt with by the last ministerial conference held in Warsaw at the beginning of 2007. Resoluti...

Tree growing space and acorn production of Quercus robur

“…Apart from insect pests as secondary factors have technical regulations in the landscape (waterbed regulations) led to changed water regime changes in floodplains and altered the availability of the groundwater table especially in growing season, to which the pedunculate oak is particularly sensitive (Čater 2011;Levanič et al 2011). One of eventual consequences of these changes and the physical weakening of oaks may be also reduced productivity (Klimo et al 2008;Pernar et al 2009). The decrease of oak vitality and increased dieback could also lead to decreased fertility.…”

Structure, Yield and Acorn Production of Oak (Quercus robur L.) Dominated Floodplain Forests in the Czech Republic and Croatia

“…This method takes into account the biological and economic properties and ecological requirements of acorns and causes minimal stress to the soil and the stand [1,14]. Diaci et al [27] admit even irregular group felling in floodplain forests in Slovenia.…”

Assessment of the Empirical Management Method of Coppice Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) Forests Practiced by the Monks and its Effect on the Availability of Forest Soil Resources in Mount Athos, Greece

“…Slight changes in soil properties independent of human activity observed in some ecosystems are attributed to inner processes of the ecosystem (Papaioannou et al, 2011;Schlesinger, 1990). On the contrary, rapid changes in soil features were observed in the case of human interference (Pernar et al, 2008). The synthesis and productivity of forest stands depend on the soil conditions of a particular area.…”