Structure and dynamics of a 215-years old broadleaved forest stand recently installed as a total forest reserve
- K. Van Den Berge
- P. Roskams
- A. Verlinden
- P. Quataert
- B. Muys
- D. Maddelein
- J. Zwaenepoel
Abstract
Since 1983, a 215-years old broadleaved stand in the state owned Zoniën Forest (Belgium, Flanders) has been withdrawn from all silvicultural treatments. Thanks to the completely reviewed forest law in Flanders of 1990, the stand is now officially installed as a total forest reserve. The present contribution gives an overview of the principal site characteristics, and then focuses on the woody component of the ecosystem. Stand structure analysis starts from the situation of 1986, i.e. dating from before the spring tempests of 1990. Subsequently, the impact of those gale forces is evaluated as a driving factor in forest dynamics. In this particular stand, it was found that an abrupt change-over took place from the regeneration phase to a real decaying phase, resulting in a mosaic pattern with remnants of the old stand, consolidated regeneration, canopy gaps and windfall areas of different size.
How to Cite:
Van Den Berge, K., Roskams, P., Verlinden, A., Quataert, P., Muys, B., Maddelein, D. & Zwaenepoel, J., (1990) “Structure and dynamics of a 215-years old broadleaved forest stand recently installed as a total forest reserve”, Silva Gandavensis 55. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/sg.v55i0.905
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