Dynamics and development patterns of Pinus sylvestris L. - Fagus sylvatica L. stands in Central Rhodope

Abstract

The study was conducted in second growth stands in the central Rhodope mountains and (specially) in the region of Xanthi. In order to determine the dynamics and the development patterns of Pinus sylvestris - Fagus sylvatica stands, 39 plots were established, trees were cut, increment cores were taken, and stem analysis was conducted in 4 couples of dominant (competitive) pine and beech trees. The main results of this research indicate that a) The population structures, the regeneration and development patterns are strongly influenced by human and natural disturbances and species 'life history characteristics'. b) The difference in site quality between site types results in differences in the duration of beech invasion (under pine) and in species basal area distribution. c) In good site qualities when individual dominant beech and Scots pine (competitive) trees with a small age difference grew together, the beech trees, in some cases, have almost the same height growth as the pines and the pine trees showed a delayed (for the species) culmination in current annual volume increment which is not followed by a abrupt fall. d) The process of secondary succession is influenced by disturbances regime, environment, propagule availability and species biology.