Research of black locust and common hackberry stands’ structure in Subotica-Horgos sands and proposed silvicultural measures aimed at their improvement

Abstract

The paper analyzes the elements of the stand structure and proposes silvicultural measures to improve conditions in the stand of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis L.) aged 28 years in Subotica-Horgos sands. The research was performed on three permanent experimental plots on which selective thinning (T1 and T2) was performed experimentally in two plots, while one was left as a control plot (C).Initially, 528 trees for tending per hectare were selected in the studied age, of which 448 black locust and 80 common hackberry trees per hectare were selected on T1, and 320 black locust and 208 common hackberry trees per hectare on T2.In experimental plots T1 and T2 at least one competing tree was cut down to each tree for tending, and a total of 912 and 1072 trees were cut down per hectare with a total volume of 53-55 m3?ha?1.In this way, a basis was created for the assessment of the growth response of trees to selective thinning in the upcoming period.