Influence of pulverized limestone and amphibolite mixture on the growth performance of Alnus incana (L.) Moench plantation on an acidified mountain site

Abstract

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.

Cultivation of speckled alder under harsh mountain conditions

“…The size of the experiment was sufficient to make a relevant statistical analysis enabling the verification of our outcomes and conclusions. Some of our outcomes are supported by a similar alder experiment in the area reported by Kuneš et al (2009).…”

“…The materials used in the mixture (their chemical composition, grain size distribution and origin) are identical to those used in another alder experiment reported by Kuneš et al (2009).…”

“…if a tree was broken or bent by snow or rime. Under extreme conditions, where trees suffer from mechanical damage relatively frequently, this approach ensures that the continuity will be preserved between the annual height increment and the development of the real plantation height (Kuneš et al 2009). …”

Carbon sequestration in soil following afforestation of former agricultural land in the Czech Republic

“…That is why afforestation of agricultural land not only on sites suitable for forest trees but also in less favourable localities will gain on importance as a measure improving soil conditions. Here, planting can be supported by various types of fertilization and other measures aimed at better growth and the survival rate of seedlings Kuneš et al 2009;Tužinský et al 2015;Cukor et al 2017b). …”

Influence of the mineral rock alginite on survival rate and re-growth of selected tree species on agricultural land

“…In forestry practice, both chemical and biological reclamation techniques were used to facilitate the recovery of forests (Podrázský 1994(Podrázský , 2006aKacálek et al 2009;Balcar et al 2011;Kuneš et al 2011 applications of lime or basalt-rock grit (Kuneš et al 2009) or special slow-release fertilizers Kuneš et al 2013a, b). Also, a number of broadleaved trees have a favourable effect on the forest soil conditions in mountain conditions .…”