Forest Dynamics after Five Decades of Management in the Romanian Carpathians

Abstract

Research Highlights: Management of the risks forests are exposed to is based on the dynamics of the composition and structure of the stands and the forest. Background and Objectives: This study aimed to document the dynamics of the composition and structure of stands and forest in the Romanian Carpathians over the last five decades, as well as estimate the forecast composition of the forest in the near future (i.e., 2070). Materials and Methods: The obtained results were based on long-term monitoring and analysis of the species and structures in the stands in long-term research areas (over five decades). We performed an inventory of all the trees (on 7.5 ha) in order to characterize the stand structure in sampling plots of 0.25–1.0 ha, located in representative stands of five forest formations. Bitterlich sampling was performed in order to determine the composition of each stand (on 2930.4 ha). The future composition was established in accordance with the characteristics of the natural forest types and was based on seedling dynamics and forest management plans. Results: In mixed beech–coniferous stands, over the last five decades, the area of beech has increased by 38%, while conifers have decreased proportionally—fir by 31% and spruce by 5%. The seedling area increased from 23% to 65%, with fir contributing 22% to the composition and beech 42%. Stand density decreased by an average of 14%, with the current increment decreasing by 3.8%. The slenderness index for fir decreased from 73 to 61. In the near future, there will be an increase in the proportion of fir, from 15 to 33%, and a reduction in beech, from 49 to 45%. The proportion of spruce will be reduced from 17 to 12%. Conclusions: Based on the forest dynamics, management adaptation strategies need to be developed to improve the stability of the forest ecosystems.

Which Are the Best Site and Stand Conditions for Silver Fir (Abies alba Mill.) Located in the Carpathian Mountains?

“…Although in the case of silver fir, higher altitudes limit the development of this species because of its shadow requirements, this practice ensures a better resistance towards the disturbing factors [46]. On the other hand, silver fir is present especially in common beech mixtures at altitudes between 700 m and 1200 m [34]. A predominance of silver fir mixture stands at altitudes of up to 1100 m is also reported by Klopčič [21].…”

“…This is the case of calcic eutric cambisol, which has a higher presence in one of the causes of spreading valuable stands in this region [72]. On the other hand, lithic soils are not favourable for silver fir due to its taproot system [34,73,74]. In this contest, silver fir stands from the Southern Carpathians have lower productivities.…”

“…Stand structure plays a fundamental role in improving tree resilience, especially in the context of climate changes [83]. Furthermore, it is important to know stand structure for understanding forest management [34,84]. In the case of silver fir stands, their characteristic structure is relatively even-aged and relatively uneven-aged [34,85].…”

“…Furthermore, it is important to know stand structure for understanding forest management [34,84]. In the case of silver fir stands, their characteristic structure is relatively even-aged and relatively uneven-aged [34,85]. These management practices are economically efficient as they ensure a vigorous tree growth and, consequently superior productivity classes [85].…”

Influence of Soil Genesis Factors on Gurghiu Mountain Forest Soils’ Physical and Chemical Properties

“…In carrying out the research, the division of the forest in compartments (subcompartments) was taken into account. All existing compartments were reviewed and verified with the aim of maintaining the same site conditions [27,28]. These development units were grouped in homogeneous units in terms of climate, trophicity, and water.…”