Journal of Forest Science, 2009 (vol. 55), issue 1
The effect of liming on the mineral nutrition of the mountain Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) forest
J. Kulhavý, I. Marková, I. Drápelová, S. Truparová
J. For. Sci., 2009, 55(1):1-8 | DOI: 10.17221/96/2008-JFS 
Mineral nutrition represents the uptake, transport, metabolism and utilization of nutrients by the forest stand. These processes influence all physiological functions of trees. A specific minimum amount of all nutrients is necessary for the healthy development and growth of forest trees. The uptake of nutrients is influenced not only by natural conditions but also by anthropogenic activities. During the period of 2000-2005 the mineral nutrition of mountain Norway spruce stands was studied at the study site Bílý Kříž (Moravian-Silesian Beskids Mts., Czech Republic). Research was carried out in a spruce stand that was limed in the past years (in 1983,...
How does legacy of agriculture play role in formation of afforested soil properties?
D. Kacálek, J. Novák, D. Dušek, J. Bartoš, V. Černohous
J. For. Sci., 2009, 55(1):9-14 | DOI: 10.17221/74/2008-JFS
Soil properties of forest ecosystems depend on synergy of both parent material and organisms living in the soil, i.e. tree species communities including related plant and animal species. However these soils were not left intact being converted into agricultural land; addition of both nutrients and organic matter and cultivation using tillage led to increased fertility of topsoil. Even long-term afforested soils show differences which are considered as legacy of past agriculture. The change remains detectable for decades; though the altered properties are obvious especially couple of years after planting (approximately 10 years). We found increased...
Phenology of four broad-leaved forest trees in a submountain beech forest
B. Schieber, R. Janík, Z. Snopková
J. For. Sci., 2009, 55(1):15-22 | DOI: 10.17221/51/2008-JFS
The phenology of four deciduous forest tree species (Carpinus betulus L., Fagus sylvatica L., Quercus dalechampii Ten., Tilia cordata Mill.) was studied in a submountain beech forest stand in Central Slovakia. Two spring phenological phases - bud-burst and leaf unfolding as well as one autumn phase - autumn leaf colouring were monitored over the period of 13 years. The results documented interannual variability in the dating of phenological phases within the species, while the differences among the species were also revealed. Significant correlations (P < 0.05) were detected between the dating of leaf unfolding...
Relationships between browsing damage and woody species dominance
P. Čermák, P. Horsák, M. Špiřík, R. Mrkva
J. For. Sci., 2009, 55(1):23-31 | DOI: 10.17221/73/2008-JFS
The paper analyzes data on browsing damage to food-attractive woody species, viz. Acer campestre, Acer pseudoplatanus, Acer platanoides, Fraxinus excelsior, Sorbus aucuparia and most often eudominant Fagus sylvatica. The field survey was carried out in 2005-2007. Analyzed data come from 34 transects at 15 localities in the CR with different abundance of ungulates (Capreolus capreolus, in some areas also Cervus elaphus or Dama dama). Trees occurring in natural regeneration under a stand were monitored up to a height of 150 cm and the presence of new browsing damage was monitored. Differences between the percent of...
Ecological requirements of some ant species of the genus Formica (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in spruce forests
A. Véle, J. Holuša, J. Frouz
J. For. Sci., 2009, 55(1):32-40 | DOI: 10.17221/56/2008-JFS
Five types of stand stages (clearings-samplings, plantations, thinnings, thickets, and mature forests) of spruce forests were examined at the foothills of the Jizerské hory Mts. in summer 2005 and 2006. The presence of ants was surveyed by catching them into pitfall traps and observing on baits. Higher numbers of Formica fusca ants were found in clearings-samplings and in plantations. Their activity was higher at the soil and air temperature of 20-30°C. The peak of activity was observed in July. Most specimens were trapped at lighter habitats and in the sites with more than 50% herbaceous and gramineous vegetation cover. F. pratensis...
Forest yield index and its applicability to the assessment of future forest yields
L. Kulla, J. Tutka, R. Marušák
J. For. Sci., 2009, 55(1):41-50 | DOI: 10.17221/45/2008-JFS
The paper suggests and examines a simplified relative indicator of forest production, with special regard to possibilities of its use in projecting future forests. Forest yield index (IY), based on an economic parameter "value of final cutting yield" was proposed, and examined in the model territory of Kysuce in north-western Slovakia. The current values of final cutting yield, dependent on tree species, site index and the length of rotation period served as a basis for the assessment of expected yields. The possibilities and limitations of index applicability in long-term strategic forest management decision-making are discussed,...