Comparison of forest stand structure and management of silver fir–European beech forests in the Central Apennines, Italy and in the Dinaric Mountains, Slovenia

Abstract

In this study, silver fir – European beech forest types were examined in their structure and tree species composition. Two study areas, one in the Molise Region in Italy (Abeti Soprani) and one in the Dinaric Mountains in Slovenia (Leskova dolina), were compared in their dynamics and present structure. The aim of the study was to assess if a standardized field survey protocol can supply indicators related to forest structure and composition, and deadwood amount in two different Natura 2000 sites. The present structure and composition were evaluated on a 1-ha plot in each area. All live trees, standing and downed dead trees, snags, stumps, and lying coarse woody debris were censed. For each individual tree, the position within the plot, the species, diameter at breast height, height or length, crown structure and height, and decay level (only for deadwood) were recorded. The forest structure was influenced by past management, modifying the tree density, the amount of deadwood and the growth trends. The spatial distribution of trees and their vertical stratification show pluristratified stands with a mainly horizontal random pattern. The assessment of forest parameters in large plots could be an opportunity to evaluate the best choices for a nature-based silvicultural approach.

Keywords:

• Forest composition
• silver fir–European beech forests
• Natura 2000 sites
• Dinaric Mountains
• Apennines
• Abies alba Mill.
• deadwood

Acknowledgements

This work was realized due to the support of the COST action FP0703 – ECHOES (Expected Climate Change and Options for European Silviculture) and by the Italian Ministry of University and Research within the project “Innovative methods for the identification, characterization and management of old-growth forests in the Mediterranean environment” (PRIN2007, grant number 2007TFREJ9).