Ecological requirements of wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis [L.] CRANTZ.) and service tree (Sorbus domestica L.) in relation with their utilization in forestry and landscape

Abstract

Environmental conditions in sites with service tree and wild service tree are assessed and some ecological differences between them are also identified. Both species are regarded as prospective woody plants with a possibility of wider utilization in forestry and landscape arrangements. They are tolerant to direct sunlight and short-time water deficit in the soils, therefore they are suitable for the afforestation of arid and warm sites (even clear unstocked areas). They prefer soils with favourable physical characteristics and adsorbing complex with acid to neutral soil reaction. Both the mentioned taxa have valuable timber, so the potential of their utilization in forestry is also in conditions of oak and beech-oak forests. They should be used as valuable admixture in oak forests or substitute the sensitive beech in drier sites of oak-beech forests.