No abstract

This study was focused on the evaluation of beech adaptation on test plots in the Góra Śląska and Świebodzin Forest Districts. For this purpose, we examined offspring from seed stands of beech growing in the Regional Directorates of State Forests in Szczecin, Szczecinek, Piła, Zielona Góra and Poznań, which were brought to both test plots. The aim was to determine the adaptive response of the offspring from these stands after five years of growth with respect to the changed environmental conditions compared to the site of origin. Our analysis revealed a relatively low survival rate, which was 60.8% and 72.2% in Góra Śląska and Świebodzin respectively. Interestingly, beeches grown on the plot in Góra Śląska were about 40% higher than those grown in Świebodzin (77.6 cm). The trees from both plots were significantly different from each other in terms of the analysed features and a significant interaction was observed between the test plot and the site of origin. However, the variability in the adaptive response of the seedlings was large. Using a regression coefficient and the average height value, we determined the seedlings’ stability, which indicated high quality in offspring from the beech stand in the Łopuchówko Forest District (Buczyna forest range, sub-compartment 95n) and a high degree of adaptation to growth in adverse environmental conditions. Our results also indicate a low survival rate and reduced height of beech offspring from commercial seed stands (local standard).

In this study, we explore the effect of soil compaction on the growth of seedlings of Scots pine Pinus sylvestris L., European beech Fagus sylvatica L. and pedunculate oak Quercus robur L. On the experimental plots, ground contact pressures ranging from 0 to 250 kPa was applied on the soil. The applied pressure resulted in an increase in soil compaction between 1.02 to 1.19 g cm–3, which reflected pressures exerted by the undercarriage of vehicles used in logging. We then measured the seedlings as well as the dry weight of the roots and the above-ground parts. Using this data, we calculated the following quality indicators for each seedling: SQ – sturdiness quotient, S/R – shoot to root dry mass, DQI – Dickson quality index. For pedunculate oak, the SQ value significantly improved with increasing soil compaction, whereas no differences in the other two indicators were observed. In case of the European beech, the best value of SQ and DQI were observed at a soil density of 1.11 g cm–3, whilst no significant difference for the S/R coefficient could be found. Completely different results were obtained for Scots pine. The most favorable growth was observed when no pressure was applied. However, the SQ and S/R ratios even exceeded the values commonly considered acceptable. Our results therefore indicate that the values of seedling quality indicators are indeed influenced by soil compaction. At a soil compaction of 1.11 g cm–3, the share of seedlings with the SQ value below the critical level was the highest, but a similar relationship could not be confirmed for the other indicators. The response of the seedlings to compaction is likely to be species specific.

In Poland, active protection of the fat dormouse started relatively late. The pilot reintroduction programme was initially undertaken in the Sieraków Landscape Park in 1997 and was successful. The population has adapted to the settled area and is now stable. In 2003, the next stage of fat dormouse reintroduction in Poland began. The Szczecin National Park was chosen for this purpose. Fat dormice settled in the Puszcza Bukowa Wilderness in the Trawiasta Buczyna reserve, and then in 2004 in the Kolowskie Parowy reserve. In 2005, no reproduction was observed as it was not a beech mast seeding year, but in 2006 a juvenile individual was spotted. In 2011, the next stage of reintroduction began, this time in western Poland. Ultimatelly, the Barlinek-Gorzów Landscape Park was chosen. The process of active protection of the fat dormouse is supported by educating the local community, enriching the nutritional offer, and increasing the number of nesting boxes for the rodent.