Articles

Dynamics in maturing Scots pine monoculture in north-east Belgium

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Abstract

The  State Forest Pijnven, created early this century by afforestation with Scots  pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) of  heathland areas is now characterised in most stands by an important ingrowth  of deciduous tree species. Ingrowth is dominated by red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.), both  species originating from North America.  Deciduous ingrowth in the pine stands profoundly influences herbal  composition of the stand. Deschampsia flexuosa (L.) Trin., abundant in all older pine stands, disappears when  deciduous trees settle and species diversity, already low in the pine stands,  further diminishes. Important oak and cherry regeneration is depending on the  presence of seed trees in the vicinity; when lacking, a new pine generation  manages to settle. A good red oak regeneration can be useful as a basis for  stand conversion towards a mixed, uneven-aged deciduous forest type, but in  many cases this possibility is hampered by massive invasion of black cherry,  preventing all other species to regenerate.

How to Cite:

Maddelein, D., Lust, N., Meyen, S. & Muys, B., (1990) “Dynamics in maturing Scots pine monoculture in north-east Belgium”, Silva Gandavensis 55. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/sg.v55i0.901