Restrictions on natural regeneration of storm-felled spruce sites by silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) through limitations in fructification and seed dispersal

• DOI: 10.1007/s10342-020-01281-9
• Publication Date: 2020-04-18T03:39:22Z
• Authors: Katharina Tiebel; Franka Huth; Nico Frischbier; Sven Wagner
• Keywords: Betula pendula; Mast (botany)

Abstract Particularly after disturbance events, the early successional colonist Betula pendula Roth is experiencing renewed silvicultural interest with respect to natural regeneration of large disturbed forest areas. In a case study, we therefore studied seed dispersal B. from two adjacent spruce stands storm-felled sites at high altitudes in Thuringian Forest (Germany) over 2-year period. We applied inverse modelling describe distance-dependent distribution using negative exponential kernel and production function birch trees. Maximum numbers 2015 n m −2 (non-mast year) 9557 (medium occurred within 40‒50 distance tree. The predicted rate tree reference dbh 20 cm was approximately 350,000 −1 1,500,000 year). Regardless crop, distances were similar both years. isotropic model showed mean 86 97 (uphill) 367 380 (downhill) for 2 years sampling. No directionality found. findings be strongly influenced by site inclination, position (valley, slope or plateau) site. Furthermore, shadow number sources. Therefore, risk-adapted management should include ‘spatial optimization’ trees, ideally creating network small groups scattered more less regularly pure conifer forests.