Changing patterns of natural dynamics in old-growth European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests can inspire forest management in Central Europe

14 S.

e-journal

200211174

European beech is the dominant native tree species in sub-mountain and mountain zones of the European continent and provides multiple ecosystem services to European society. However, the mountain zone is strongly affected by environmental change. Here, we explore the long-term natural dynamics of European beechdominated old-growth forests in the Western Carpathians, Central Europe. We use fifty-year measurements of forest stand dynamics from eleven nature reserves strictly protected from any management (some of them included in the UNESCO natural heritage program). The study sites cover a typical range of natural conditions of the beech-dominated altitudinal zone in the Western Carpathians. The database includes long-term pair-wise non-destructive measurements of nearly 3.000 beeches from 1970 through 2019. We aim to investigate three crucial processes of beech forest dynamics: increment, ingrowth, and mortality of beech trees.