Initial Spacing and Morphology of Oak Trees (Quercus robur L. and Quercus petraea /Matt./ Liebl.) in Untended Oak Saplings at the Age of 17 Years

2000

S. 107-121

3 Abb., 8 Tab., 18 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200073333

The influence of the inital spacing on the morphology of trees of common oak and sessile oak (Quercus robur L. - 1.5 x 0.4; 1.2 x 0.8; 1.0 x 1.0; 1.5 x 0.8; 1.2 x 1.3; 1.5 x 1.5; 2.0 x 2.0 and Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. - 1.5 x 0.4; 1.2 x 1.3; 1.5 x 1.5) was investigated in oak samplings at the age of 17 years. The experimental plot is located in the south-western part of Poland. The following characteristics were measured: the total tree hight, breast height diameter (DBH), the height of the dead-branch zone, the length and the width of the crown, the number and diameter of branches up to a height of 2 m. The biosocial position of trees was also taken into consideration. The gathered data were subjected to a typical analysis of variance. The linear correlation with the initial growing place was estimated and the structures of the examined features were compared by using the Kolmogorov-Smiranov test. A distinct relationship with initial spacing was ascertained only for DBH and for the maximum diameter of branches. The influence of the initial spacing on the remaining characteristics was less significant or negligible. The morphology of oaks from the dominant stand (I, II and III Kraft's classes) was characterised by stronger dependence on the initial spacing than the morphology of trees from the dominated stand. Qualitative features indicate that the initial growing place of oak cultures should not be greater than 1.5 m¬.