Caracteristici ale stadiului pionier al unei succesiuni primare pe un teren degradat de la limita estică a Obcinilor Bucovinei [Characteristics of the pioneer stage of primary succession on degraded land at Eastern boundary of Bucovina Hills]

Abstract

The study was performed in a degraded ecosystem by grazing from North-Est of Romania. The aim of the study was to determine main characteristics of primary succession in a pioneer stage initiated on a weathered land by intensive grazing and to identify vegetation classes and potential successional directions. Primary succession analysis was performed by non-systematic inventory in rectangular experimental plots of 25 m2, by identifying woody species presence, biometric measurements (diameter, number of individuals/bushes, number of stems and heights). The analysis of composition indicated the presence of 17 woody species, which were further grouped in classes of vegetation (Corylus-Carpinus, Cornus-Crataegus, Crataegus-Corylus, Populus-Carpinus, names according to two first dominant species). The classes were distinguished as associations between the main pioneer species (Corylus avellana L., Crataegus monogyna Jacq., Cornus sanguinea L., Populus tremula L.). Variability of diameters and heights indicating homogeneous distribution of structure. Grazing had a very important role in the installation and increase of species diversity (zoochor vector), as the most instaled species has a zoochor type dissemination. The possible directions of succession (beech forests or beech and hornbeam forests) were also discussed.

Keywords

• succession
• pioneer stage
• vegetation classes
• biometrical characteristics.