Study of Gap-Phase Regeneration in a Managed Beech Forest: Relations between Tree Regeneration and Light, Substrate Features and Cover of Ground Vegetation. Mihók, B., Gálhidy, L., Kelemen, K., & Standovár, T. 1:25–38.
Study of Gap-Phase Regeneration in a Managed Beech Forest: Relations between Tree Regeneration and Light, Substrate Features and Cover of Ground Vegetation [pdf]Paper  abstract   bibtex   
Gap form ation by wind is a characteristic di sturbance event in Eur opean beech forests. Changes in abiotic environm ental variables depend on gap size and different site features. The aim of this gap-study is to test the effect of gap size on spatial distribution of abiotic environm ental variables and on the abundance and distribution of tree regene ration. Eight experim e ntal gaps - three large (d: 35-40 m ) and five sm all (d: 10-15 m ) - were created in a m esotrophic beech forest in winter 2000/2001. Data were collected sy stem atically in 1m x 1m quadrats before gap creation and subsequently on five occasions. Hem i spherical phot ographs were used to estim ate relative light intensity along a gap-under-canopy transect. First resu lts of this long-term study suggest that establishm ent of beech seedlings is negatively influe nced by dispersal lim itation in large gaps and am ount of slash as well, while it seem s to be insensitive to environm ental conditions. Development of beech saplings is accelerated by increased light intensity, and by protective effect of dense herb lay e r in opened sites. Salix caprea – as a light dem a nding species – appears mostly in the centre of large gaps.

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