Phytosociological typology and phytoindicator value of young oak and larch forest communities near Pinczów (southern Poland)

Abstract

Oak (Quercus petraea Liebl.) and larch (Larix decidua Mill.) forest plantations of the study area 'Mtodzawy' in Poland were analysed. Changes in the syntaxonomic composition and of Ellenberg's indices (light, continentality, moisture, reaction and nitrogen index) were determinated. The results obtained mostly conform to the assumption that the herb layer of both plantations becomes, gradually with tree growth, more similar to each other and to that of mature oak-hornbeam forests. Such statement is justified by: an increase in the share of species common to both plantation types, a significant increase in the number and cover of the Querco-Fagetea character-species, accompanied by a decrease in the number and cover of other character-species, a general decrease in the share of species with extreme climatic and edaphic requirements, accompanied by a gradual increase in the share of number and cover of species with average demands. From the studies it may be concluded that the developmental mechanisms which determine the direction and trends of changes in the herb layer are mainly common to both plantation types, whereas tree stand species, in spite of different habit, ecological demands, and effect on soil properties, have only slight modification influence.