THE HEALTH STATUS AND NATURAL REGENERATION OF PINUS SYLVESTRIS L. AFTER THE SURFACE FIRE IN VACCINIOSA FOREST TYPE IN LATVIA

Abstract

From abiotic factors the most effecting influence on forest ecosystems has fire. Two years after surface fire in the pine stands growing in Vacciniosa forest type. Two PL (hereinafter PL) were installed in medium-aged (49 years old, 2.3 ha) and two PLs - in maturing (96 years old, 2.5 ha) stands. In each PL (20x20 m), the numbering of the trees was carried out and their placement was fixed, as well as the diameter, height and height of the green crown were measured. The sanitary condition of each tree was evaluated. For registration of one-year and two-year seedlings in each sample plot 25 sampling units (1 m²) were used. The similar sampling units were used for evaluation of ground cover (5 in each PL diagonally arranged), the obtained samples were weighed. The purpose of the study was to analyze the health status and natural regeneration of P.sylvestris after the surface fire. The ground vegetation was completely burned out in the medium-aged stand, but in the maturing stand both ground vegetation and organic layer – mosaically. The average burning height of trees in the medium-aged forest stand was 0.6±0.64 m, in the maturing stand - at 2.3±0.34 m. The natural regeneration was not detected in the first year after surface fire in the medium-aged forest (only 58800 one-year seedlings were recorded at the second year after fire), while in the maturing stand it was at this time (46600 one-year and 14200 two-year seedlings). Insect damage and cracked bark was not detected.

Keywords: burning height, ground cover, medium age stand, vegetation

Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.100