A simplified method for application of natural regeneration in black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) stands in Hungary

Abstract

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is one of the most important forest tree species in Hungary, covering approximately 24% of the forest land and providing 25% of the annual timber supply. One third of these black locust stands are high forests (planted with seedlings) and the remaining stands are coppices. An auxiliary table was developed for planning the black locust natural regeneration in order to determine the sprouting criteria based on stand volume at the final cutting age. Twenty forest subcompartments were selected for investigating the possibility of black locust regeneration by root suckers. The basic yield and stand structure factors were determined using the numerical yield table for black locust stands. The results show that the regeneration of black locust stands from root suckers can be recommended on good and medium quality sites without a decrease in yield or stem quality. Black locust stands of good and medium quality (yield classes I, II, III and IV) may be regenerated from suckers in general until their growing stock attains and if their health is adequate. The simplicity of the practice-oriented auxiliary table based on the black locust yield table may further the development of management and wood utilization of the species.