RESEARCH ARTICLE

CONTRIBUTION OF REFORESTATION USING SAPLINGS TO CONSERVATION OF FOREST ECOSYSTEMS

Abstract

On many previously natural wildlife sites, human activity had particularly negative impact, like i.e. mining for sand or coal, acid rains from thermal power-plants. In some cases, natural restoration is either impossible (lack of seeds), or too slow (succession supressed by weed). By the use of artificial forest regeneration and preceding soil preparation, we fasten the process and make the site restoration more effective. It is also used commonly in intensive forest management, especially under clear-cut silvicultural system (also called even-aged system), and for afforestation of marginal agricultural land. The obvious advantage of artificial planting is the direct influence of a forester on species composition and spatial structure. It allows faster recolonization of target animal and plant species. Some of the disadvantages are the costly production and protection of the seedlings.

In our paper, we present an example of the comparison of two different types of planting stock of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.): the widely used standard seedlings (height 25–35 cm) with new generation saplings (height 80–120 cm). On sites with a strong weed competition, saplings can represent a more viable option by decreased weeding costs and improved visibility of trees.

Artificial restoration is still a crucial tool for preserving and restoring forest sites. Central European forestry itself contributes reasonably to preserving relatively close-to-nature habitats. In many cases, we are able to create and manage very complex forest structures through intensive selection thinning, resulting in so called selection forest.

Keywords: reforestation, forestry, planting stock, saplings, ecosystems

How to Cite: Gallo,J,Kunes,I,Balas,M, (2018). CONTRIBUTION OF REFORESTATION USING SAPLINGS TO CONSERVATION OF FOREST ECOSYSTEMS.WILDLANKA, 6(3):Pages 100-107

Published On:2018-09-30

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