Articles

The early stages of spontaneous forest regeneration on poor soils and continental sand dunes in northern Belgium

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Abstract

Spontaneous  natural regeneration under variable conditions on sandy soils and continental  sand dunes were analysed in 5 locations in N.E. Belgium.     The number of seedlings varies between 14.000 and 522.000/ha. The most  prominent invading species are red oak, pedunculate oak and Scots pine.    Two principal types of regeneration are recognized : homogeneous groups of  oak or pine and mixtures, predominantly composed by the same species.  Pioneers such as birch, willow, white poplar and wild black cherry do not  play an important role.    Social differentiation sets in quite early and is mainly provoked by age  differences. Therefore early silvicultural intervention is advisable. The  growth relationships between the species indicate that Scots pine is not in  danger of spontaneous elemination by other species. Because of the density  and variability of spontaneous forest regeneration, the conversion of pure  pine stands into mixed forest, using group regeneration to this end, poses no  real technical problems.

How to Cite:

Van Miegroet, M., (1983) “The early stages of spontaneous forest regeneration on poor soils and continental sand dunes in northern Belgium”, Silva Gandavensis 49. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/sg.v49i0.968