Abstract
Summary Uneven-aged silver fi r-European beech forests in Slovenia were studied to investigate the dynamics of their structure and composition in three different study areas over the last century, with a particular focus on silver fi r dynamics. The study used current and archival data from forest inventories and historic forest management maps for a period of ~ 110 years. The dynamics of several structural and compositional parameters of the forest stands were also examined using a stand volume index, the Gini coeffi cient and a recruitment rate index. Substantial changes in diameter growth at breast height structure, stand volume, tree size diversity and tree species composition were documented during the observed period. Additionally, silver fi r underwent large-scale changes. Signifi cant differences, as well as some similarities, in forest stand dynamics were observed on a regional spatial scale. These dynamics are underpinned by a complex array of natural and anthropogenic factors; past forest use and the silvicultural systems applied, the impact of large ungulates and site characteristics seem to play important roles.
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