Effect of long-term tending on qualitative and quantitative production in mixed stands of spruce, fir and beech on Motyky research plot

Abstract

The paper is a contribution to research on thinnings in mixed (spruce-fir-beech) stands situated in the fifth forest altitudinal zone in the central part of Slovakia. Three plots were tended by free crown thinning while one plot was left without any planned silvicultural treatment (as a control). Dynamic changes in tree species composition, stand structure and quantitative production were evaluated for a period of 30 years. A special attention was paid to development of crop trees that are the main bearers of stand quality and quantity. The changes were compared with respect to differences between plots with long-term silvicultural treatments and control plot (without treatments).

Keywords

• thinnings
• crop trees
• static stability
• mixed stands
• spruce - fir - beech