Dynamics in Maturing Scots Pine Monocultures in North-East Belgium

1990

S. 69-80

2 Abb., 5 Tab., 16 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200068680

The State Forest Pijnven, created early this century by afforestation with Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) of heathland areas is now characterised in most stands by an important ingrowth of deciduous tree species. Ingrowth is dominated by red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.), both being species originating from North-America. Deciduous ingrowth in the pine stands profoundly influences herbal composition of the stand. Deschampsia flexuosa (L.) Trin., abundant in all older pine stands, disappears when deciduous trees settle and species diversity, already low in the pine stands, further diminishes. Important oak and cherry regeneration is depending on the presence of seed trees in the vicinity; when lacking, a new pine generation manages to settle. A good red oak regeneration can be useful as a basis for stand conversion towards a mixed, uneven-aged deciduous forest type, but in many cases this possibility is hampered by massive invasion of black cherry, preventing all other species to regenerate.