Structural and ecological characteristics of mixed broadleaved old-growth forest(Biogradska Gora - Montenegro)

Milic Curovic,Renzo Motta,Alessandro Vitali,Velibor Spalevic,Matteo Garbarino,Paul Sestras,Catalina Dan,Carlo Urbinati

doi:10.3906/tar-2003-103

Abstract

Biogradska Gora National Park in Montenegro is part of the Dinaric Mountains mixed forest, which belongs to the montane region of the Dinaric Alps. This paper presents some of the main structural and ecological characteristics of the mixed broadleaved old-growth forest with beech [Fagus moesiaca (Domin, Maly) Czecz.], sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) and European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) from the preserve area of the Biogradska Gora. These forest ecosystems are characterized by the high species richness and potential productivity. In the study area, 58 vascular plant species were recorded in 4 sample plots of 0.25 ha each. The average timber volume found in the sample plots was 814 m(3)/ha. This value is twice as high as that of similar pure beech forests in the same preserve area. The results are confirmed the biodiversity and production potential of mixed broadleaved forests, which rarely occur spontaneously. A better understanding of the processes of the pristine forest ecosystems could form a realistic basis for close-tonature management of similar stands. The obtained data provides overview of the structural characteristics of these forests, which have developed without anthropogenic influence. Exploring the structure of forests in permanent preservation areas could be an excellent basis for close-to-nature forest management.

Highlights

The forest ecosystem of Biogradska Gora National Park on Mt
The main goal of this paper is to provide an overview of the basic ecological and structural characteristics of intact mixed broadleaved forests in Biogradska Gora National Park as a realistic basis for close-to-nature management of similar stands
Materials and methods The object of the investigation was mixed-species stands of beech [Fagus moesiaca (Domin, Maly) Czecz.], sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) and European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) in the preserve area of Biogradska Gora National Park (Figure 1)

Summary

Introduction

The forest ecosystem of Biogradska Gora National Park on Mt. Bjelasica in Montenegro developed through natural processes with no direct anthropogenic influences and allows the study of natural developments and structural characteristics as a precondition of close-to-nature forest management. We presented structural characteristics of mixed broadleaved old-growth forest with beech (Fagus moesiaca (Domin, Maly) Czecz.), sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) and European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) from the preserve area of the park. The knowledge of structural and production characteristics of old-growth forests is an important starting point for defining the goals in forests that are. On undisturbed beech-dominated sites, mixed stands or development stages are the exception rather. According to Orlovic et al (2006), beside the association Acereto–Fraxinetum serbicum which is most commonly found in north-east Serbia, Sycamore just occurs in beech (Fagetum subalpinum) and fir-beech (Abieto fagetum) type forests in that country

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