Forest@ (Jun 2008)
Effect of light regime on the natural regeneration of silver fir (Abies alba), Calabria, Southern Italy
Abstract
Aim of this study is to analyse the effect of light environment on dynamics of natural regeneration of silver fir. The study areas were located in natural silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) stands of Serra San Bruno Forests (Archiforo) in the Calabrian Apennine. Measurements of the Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR - radiation in the 0.4-0.7 µm waveband) were collected with a ceptometer (AccuPAR Decagon Devices, USA). PAR was measured monthly during the growing season. Measurements were taken: under canopy, inside natural gaps and in correspondence of escarps along forestry roads. After each measurement for each sampling point the PAR transmittance was calculated. Seedlings density was estimated in each position. Each of these seedlings was identified by species, total height was measured and the age was visually determined. Seedlings were distributed in three classes: (a) class 0: to natural regeneration absence and height 10 seedlings m-2 and height between 0.30 and 1 m; (c) class 2: to density > 10 seedlings m-2 and height > 1 m. Level of PAR transmittance was higher inside the gaps where a good seedlings density was observed. Further seedling density was higher in correspondence of escarps. Under canopy, seedlings were absent due to low levels of light (1.3 < T < 3.7). The results showed a diverse ecological behaviour to light environment of silver fir of Serra San Bruno compared with central-northern Abies alba population. Some comments about silvicultural treatment of silver fir stand in the Calabrian Apennine are provided, according to dynamics of natural regeneration.
