Journal of Forest Science, 2008 (vol. 54), issue 9

Seasonal fluctuation in germination of short and long-term stored Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) seeds

G. Debnárová, Ľ. Šmelková

J. For. Sci., 2008, 54(9):389-397 | DOI: 10.17221/4/2008-JFS  

Routine laboratory testing is done throughout the year to determine the quality of forest seeds. This raises the question of how the results are affected by possible seasonal effects on germination energy and germination capacity of seeds. To answer this question, fluctuations in germination energy (GE) and germination capacity (GC) of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) seed was determined throughout the year. The test seeds had been stored for either a short time (2 months and 1 year) or a long time (12 and 13 years). Seed testing was done according to ISTA rules two times (in the first year T1 and the second year T2) in each month during...

Growth and development of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) regeneration and restoration of the species in the Karkonosze Mountains

D. Dobrowolska

J. For. Sci., 2008, 54(9):398-408 | DOI: 10.17221/29/2008-JFS  

The main task of the study was to investigate the growth conditions of silver fir natural regeneration in the Karkonosze Mts. (Poland). The paper examines the quantity and quality of light reaching the forest floor in stands of different canopies. The aim of the study was also to define the optimal site conditions for silver fir planting under stand canopy. Data on the natural regeneration and stand structure of each investigated stand were collected on circular plots in a grid of 15 × 15 m in 1999 and 2000. Biometric measurements of fir plants planted under various stand canopies were done three times (May 1999, autumn 2000 and 2001). It was found...

Dynamics of heartwood formation and axial and radial distribution of sapwood and heartwood in stems of European larch (Larix decidua Mill.)

M. Nawrot, W. Pazdrowski, M. Szymański

J. For. Sci., 2008, 54(9):409-417 | DOI: 10.17221/30/2008-JFS  

The study was an attempt to determine the dynamics of heartwood formation and the radial and axial distribution of sapwood and heartwood in stems of European larch (Larix deciduas Mill.) representing the dominant stand according to Kraft. Correlations were found between the rate of heartwood formation and the social class of tree position in the stand, the age of trees, forest site type and height of trees. Moreover, radial and axial variation was observed in the distribution of analyzed wood zones depending on the height of measurement, the age of cambium and the dimensions of the analyzed tree. Results were analyzed statistically, which facilitated...

Selected properties of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.)

V. Gryc, H. Vavrčík, Š. Gomola

J. For. Sci., 2008, 54(9):418-425 | DOI: 10.17221/59/2008-JFS  

The paper deals with the variability of tree-ring width, with the density and swelling (volumetric swelling and swelling in individual anatomical directions) of wood from two different locations. Further, the variability of the explored properties along the stem radius is researched. The ring analyses show that the ring width decreases along the stem radius from the pith to the stem outer perimeter. Location 2 (a lower altitudinal vegetation zone) had on average wider rings (a statistically insignificant difference), higher density and higher volumetric swelling of wood in comparison with location 1 (a statistically significant difference). The relation...

Historical development of floodplain forests in the Upper Moravian Vale (Vrapač National Nature Reserve, Czech Republic)

I. Machar

J. For. Sci., 2008, 54(9):426-437 | DOI: 10.17221/46/2008-JFS  

The paper deals with historical development of floodplain forests in the area of Vrapač National Nature Reserve in the floodplain of the Morava River (Protected Landscape Area Litovelské Pomoraví, Czech Republic). The aim of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the anthropogenic influences that have over centuries led to the present state of floodplain forests in the study area. Thus, it will be possible to define more efficiently the management plan of this floodplain forest ecosystem.