Impacts of soil conditions and light availability on natural regeneration of Norway spruce Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. in low-elevation mountain forests

摘要

center dot Key messageNatural regeneration ofP. abies(L.) H. Karst. may reach high densities in lower mountain elevations. The highest densities were found in sites with moderate light availability, with low pH, and not near the riverbank. However, age-height classes differed in the predicted magnitude of response, but were consistent in response directions. Mosses and understory species typical of coniferous forests were positively correlated with regeneration density.center dot ContextNorway spruce Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. in Central Europe is at risk under climate change scenarios, particularly in mountain regions. Little is known about the impact of environmental factors on the natural regeneration of P. abies in low-elevation mountain forests.center dot AimsWe aimed to assess impacts of distance from the riverbank, soil pH, and light availability on natural P. abies regeneration. We hypothesized that (1) natural P. abies regeneration would depend on light availability and soil pH and (2) there are understory plant species which may indicate the microsites suitable for natural regeneration of P. abies.center dot MethodsThe study was conducted in the Stoowe Mountains National Park (SW Poland, 600-800m a.s.l.). We established 160 study plots (25m(2)) for natural regeneration, light availability, soil pH, and understory vegetation assessment.center dot ResultsThe highest densities of natural regeneration of P. abies were observed in sites with moderate light availability (0.1-0.2 of open sky) and low pH (3.5-4.5), and located relatively far from the riverbank. Cover of 22 understory plant species were correlated with natural P. abies regeneration densities, mostly positively.center dot ConclusionDifferent stages of natural regeneration of P. abies revealed different regeneration niches. Most understory plant species (bryophytes and herbs typical of coniferous forests) do not compete with natural regeneration of P. abies.