Articles

Growth and development of ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) seedlings on different humus types under a closed forest canopy

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Abstract

In  Sep. 1995, in stands with ash and oak - beech, 116 two to four-year-old ash (Fraxinus    excelsior L.) seedlings were selected in 12  plots in order to assess collar diameter growth,    number of leaves, branches and growth flushes (episodes) per seedling,  produced during the next two years. At the same time, 30 seedlings were selected to measure the root length and    the root: shoot ratio. Seedlings were growing on different levels of soil  fertility (humus types of    typical mull, acid mull and mull moder), under a dense canopy (2.5% light  intensity).    The investigation reveals that, under the high shade of the stands, the  length of roots as well as    root: shoot ratio is greater on more fertile sites (typical mull and acid  mull), than on less fertile    site (mull moder). However, the mean root length of the seedlings in this  deciduous forest never    reaches 9 cm, presenting a limited growth on the various humus types and a  rather low stability    in the thick litter layer on the mull moder humus type. There are no  significant differences (P <    0.05) in growth and foliage development of the seedlings produced on the  different humus    types. After 2 growing seasons, the mean diameter increment does not exceed  0.6 mm. The    mean number of branches and leaves increases respectively with 1 and 4-5  units per seedling    and that of the growth flushes varies from 2 to 3 units per seedling. As a  whole under the full    canopy, ash seedlings prove a very poor response to the humus types.    The study suggests a proper felling in the closed canopy of the stand in  order to encourage the    growth and foliage development of the ash seedlings growing on the  different humus types.

How to Cite:

Lust, M. & Zahedi, G., (1999) “Growth and development of ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) seedlings on different humus types under a closed forest canopy”, Silva Gandavensis 64. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/sg.v64i0.828