Establishment of trees and shrubs in relation to light and grazing.

Abstract

Abstract This chapter examines extent of light required, or the tolerance to shade of seedlings of pedunculate (Quercus robur) and sessile oak (Q. petraea), broad-leaved (Tilia platyphyllos) and small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata), beech (Fagus sylvatica), hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) and hazel (Corylus avellana), are determining factors for the establishment of these species in closed forests. Individual species was studied and a reduction in the intensity of light means was determined in terms of the competition of the species as they grow into trees. The autecology of the species concerned is discussed in relation to succession in closed forests without large herbivores, and in park-like landscapes such as wood-pasture grazed by large herbivores. A number of experiments conducted in Western and Central Europe are presented in which the seedlings of pedunculate and sessile oak, beech, broad-leaved and small-leaved lime and hazel are exposed to different amounts of daylight.