Growth of mountain pine (Pinus mugo Turra) in relation to the use of other tree species

Abstract

In summit parts of the Orlické hory Mts., massive dieback of forests occurred during an air pollution/ecological disaster in the 70s to the 80s of the 20<sup>th</sup> century. Destroyed stands were cut down and deforested areas were planted by more resistant species including mountain pine (Pinus mugo Turra). The aim of the paper was to assess effects of mountain pine on the prosperity of other tree species. Four localities with mountain pine stands were selected at altitudes from 1,000 to 1,115 m. In 2003–2005, growth analyses of shrubs were carried out there and basic parameters of stands were determined such as: height; cover of mountain pine, other tree species and herbs; radiation transmittance and temperature gradients. Results show the importance of the height of mountain pine stands in mitigating climatic changes in the ground layer of air, identification of the light compensation point for the mountain pine prosperity, the dependence of a growth type on outer and inner conditions of mountain pine including partly its age. Under given conditions, the present stands of mountain pine on top parts of the Orlické hory Mts. show their justification because they create a good protection for young seedlings, self-seeding and newly planted tree species. If forest spreads there, the markedly heliophilous mountain pine will recede similarly as in case of more than hundred-year-old mountain pine in the Sowie gory Mts. in Poland.