Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) is naturally a principal tree species in the upper and summit parts of the Jizerské hory Mts., nonetheless, a broadleaved admixture, such as European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.), birch (Betula sp.), sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) etc., was typical of the local indigenous forests. The broadleaved admixture has been reduced due to human activities in the course of history.Moreover, during the air-pollution disaster in the 1970s and 1980s, the allochthonous conifers were often cultivated in the most affected mountain parts (Pěnička 2007) for their better pollution resistance. Blue spruce (Picea pungens Engelmann) is the most important representative. At present, when the disaster is over and the air-pollution input to the forest ecosystems is lowered, these allochthonous stands should successively be converted into stands composed of more convenient native tree species (Balcar, Kacálek 2008a).The young coniferous plantations, which have replaced the old forests disturbed by pollution, are The aim of the experiment was to test the suitability of Alnus incana to form preparatory stands covering the site and thus enabling the reintroduction of more sensitive target species. A potential of Alnus incana to respond to slow-release fertilizing was tested as well. The control treatment showed sufficient growth dynamics, nevertheless, the fertilization significantly promoted the growth (documented by height, height increment and stem-base diameter). If some limitations of alder such as high light requirements are respected, the speckled alder can be recommended as a suitable species for preparatory stands even in the 7 th and 8 th altitudinal (vegetation) zones, especially when fertilized.

Abstract:The paper deals with the health status, production and structure of autochthonous beech stands in the eastern part of the Krkonoše Mts. (Czech Republic). The region was affected by increased air pollution load due to long-range SO 2 transmission from the late 1970s to the early 1990s. In 1980, five research plots were established in long unmanaged beech stands at an optimum stage. Tree coordinates and initial biometrical measurements were made in 1980 and repeated in 2005. The defoliation of individual trees was monitored every year (ICP Forests principles). The actual stand development is compared with the model development worked out by the Sibyla growth simulator in variants with a model of natural mortality and with entering a real mortality of trees. Differences between the stand characteristics of actual and simulated development of forest stands suggest some production losses. The reason to the losses can be seen in the long-term impact of air pollution in the first decade of monitoring and its after-effects on soil quality and worsening health condition of stands. The anticipated acceleration in the onset of the phase of stand disintegration under the influence of air pollution load was not demonstrated.© Versita Sp. z o.o.

ABSTRACT:The results of a fifteen-year period of investigations conducted on Norway spruce in the upper plateau of the Jizerské hory Mts. were summarised. The objectives were to evaluate the growth performance of an experimental plantation under harsh environmental conditions and assess the effects of amendments as well as the influence of the forest site variability on growth performance and survival of young spruces. The following treatments were distinguished: (1) lower control, (2) limestone and (3) amphibolite treatments on a less exposed slope of the ridge and (4) upper control on a summit of the mountain ridge. Principle characteristics such as mortality rate, height, annual height increment, stem base diameter, crown diameter and nutritional status were summarized and evaluated. Significant differences between treatments were recorded in heights. The trees fertilized with amphibolite were significantly taller than the control ones in thirteen out of the fifteen evaluated years and the applied limestone improved heights in ten years out of the fifteen evaluated years. A positive effect of amphibolite treatment on stem base diameter was proved in three of the four assessed years and was persisting till 2007 (last measurement of this characteristic), the positive effect of limestone was lasting up to 2006. The considerable role of the site variability was apparent from a comparison between the upper and lower control although they were in a very close position to each other, growth increment of the spruces on the ridge was significantly lower. Temporarily lower N concentration was recorded in the fertilized treatments in comparison with their respective control. The concentration of P was low and decreased to the limit of deficiency in all treatments, P seems to be the most limiting macroelement in the area.

ABSTRACT:We evaluated the potential of crushed amphibolite and artificial slow-release N-P-K-Mg fertiliser to stimulate the survival, growth and nutrition of Norway spruce planted on an acidified air-polluted mountain site. Control plots and treatments with slow-release fertiliser (SRF) and amphibolite (AMT) were installed. In the SRF, forty grams of tabletted amendment were applied in the close vicinity of the trees. In the AMT, two kilograms of amendment were incorporated into the soil inside the planting hole of each tree at planting. The SRF application resulted in a significant growth stimulation of spruces. The growth stimulation by amphibolite was perceptible but not significant; this amendment, however, significantly reduced mortality. None of the amendments induced marked changes in foliar nutrient concentrations.

ABSTRACT:The organic matter produced and accumulated by plants is a crucial component in the ecosystems on environmentally disturbed sites. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of initial fertilising on the aboveground and belowground tree biomass of Norway spruce. The biomass amount, distribution and chemical composition were studied in a young spruce stand growing on an acidified mountain clear-cut tract. The fertilised trees accumulated a higher amount of tree biomass. They nonetheless showed lower concentrations of P, N, and K in some root compartments than control trees, which could be ascribed to a dilution effect. As for the aboveground compartments, no significant differences in element concentrations were proved.