The Relationship between some Forest Stand Properties and the Occurrence of Orchids in the Central Part of the Moravian Karst Protected Landscape Area

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between some forest stand properties and the occurrence of orchids in the territory of the Křtiny Training Forest Enterprise. The research took place between the villages of Babice nad Svitavou, Kanice and Křtiny and largely spans the Moravian Karst Protected Landscape Area, partly in the core zone as well as the second zone of the Moravian Karst, where ordinary logging practices are used. Only a small part falls into the core area (first zone) – the two small‑scale nature reserves with a total area of 61 hectares and a non‑intervention regime. The selected area is situated mainly in forest ecosystems with beech and oak (Fagi‑Querceta and Querci‑Fageta) covering an area of 853 ha. The occurrence of orchids was examined in relation to natural conditions, forest type and forestry land use. In particular the occurrence of orchids to the height of the tree vegetation, to the Lidar Penetration Index and to the distance from roads and cleared boundary lines were investigated.

Keywords

• Moravian Karst Protected Landscape Area
• Křtiny Training Forest Enterprise
• forest ecosystems
• orchids
• forest management
• conifers