Do stand structure and admixture of tree species affect Scots pine aboveground biomass production and stability on its natural site?

Abstract

The paper analyses stand structure and production on two experimental forest stand series of mature pure and mixed Scots pine stands, growing on natural Scots pine sites in the Czech Republic. Sessile oak was the main admixed species. In mixed stands, Scots pine constituted the dominant level of the stand, admixed species grew mostly as subdominants. Admixture increased stand densities and aboveground biomass production compared to pure stands. Sessile oak with the 20–30% number share within the Scots pine stand led to an increase of the Scots pine tree dimensions and mean stem merchantable wood (DBH ≥ 7 cm) volume compared to the pure Scots pine stand of similar density. The Scots pine and sessile oak slenderness ratios increased in mixed stands compared to monocultures, however, the stand mechanical stability was not threatened.