Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) and its role in the Czech forests

Abstract

The presented study summarizes the results concerning the effects of cultivation of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirbel) Franco) in the Czech Republic. It focuses on more recent results, published especially in the last decades, it includes also older relevant data. It describes the intensity of production as well as non-production forest functions in the conditions of the Czech Republic. It analyses the research results concerning the volume and value production in comparison with native tree species, also documents effects on soil and herb vegetation diversity in forest ecosystems, and from point of view of stability and cultivation in the last period. Main target is defined by the comparison with the Norway spruce, which can be with advantages substituted partly by this species, with favourable impact on amount and value of the timber production, on the forest soil and ground vegetation biodiversity status. Also the stability of forest stands can be supported considerably. This species represents important alternative to the Norway spruce in lower and middle altitudes and it can contribute considerably to the competitiveness of the Czech forestry.