Floristical structure of the virgin forest as well as the managed forest in Ravna Vala on the mountain Bjelašnica

Abstract

UDK 581.9:630*1(234.422)

To make the research into floristic composition, a comparative systematic research has been done in both virgin and the neighboring managed forest stands of beech and fir with spruce (Abieti – Fagetum dinaricum Treg. 1957) at the location of Ravna vala on the north-eastern slopes of the mountain of Bjelašnica. The forest stands which have been researched are sorted out in similar orographical and edaphic conditions. The research has been done on systematically arranged experimental plots on the area of 4 square meters during vegetation period in the year 2005 with respect to its spring and summer aspect. Thirty experimental plots have been placed in virgin and managed forests as well.

It was established that there is no difference between the virgin and the managed forest in the floristic composition in terms of the number of plant species as well as in their structure. In the virgin stand, 54 plant species have been identified: 5 tree species, 8 scrub species, 41 herb layer species. In the managed forest 56 plant species have been identified: 5 tree species, 6 scrub species and 45 herb layer species (Table). Out of the registered number of plant species 44 plant species are the same in the virgin and the registered forest stands (all trees species, 6 scrubs species, 33 herb layer species). The herb layer species cover the virgin forests as much as the managed forests.

The homogenous floristic composition of both the virgin forest stands and the managed ones is due to similar ecological conditions and relatively fast reestablishment of phytoclimatic conditions after the selection cutting.