We studied biotic and abiotic factors underlying the invasion of larch (Larix decidua Mill.) on a glacier foreland and tested the hypothesis that the pattern of its establishment was controlled primarily by terrain age. The time span between deglaciation and establishment of larch and the importance of the position and shape of the glacier on the forest structure were studied over 150 years of glacial retreat. We related three data sets (forest structure, topography and spatial position) using ordination methods.
COBISS.SI-ID: 2505382
We determined that natural larch stands in Slovenia which are classified into the association Rhodothamno-Laricetum extend over 3161 hectares, which means 0.3% of all forest area in Slovenia. They are most common in the Julian Alps, especially in the Trenta Valley, Bohinj and the Upper Sava Valley, in the KamnikSavinja Alps, especially in Jezersko and the upper Savinja valley. The map, which is available on the Slovenia Forest Service website and on the Interactive map of Slovenia with databases of ZRC SAZU, will be helpful above all for foresters and nature conservation services.
COBISS.SI-ID: 32231981
We studied two beech dominated forest reserves in Slovenia. We examined the structural characteristics of the two reserves based on data from sample plots and complete inventory obtained from four previous forest management plans. To gain a better understanding of disturbance dynamics, we used aerial imagery to study the characteristics of canopy gaps over a 20-year period. The results suggest that these forests are structurally heterogeneous over small spatial scales. Gap size analysis showed that gaps smaller than 500 m2 are the dominant driving force of stand development. The percentage of forest area in canopy gaps ranged from 3.2 to 10.6%. New gap formation is dependent on senescent trees located throughout the reserve. We conclude that these stands are not even-sized, but rather unevenly structured. This is due to the fact that the disturbance regime is characterized by low intensity, small-scale disturbances.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3542438
The importance of the protective effects of forests has been recognized for centuries. There is a distinction between forest areas with direct and indirect protection function in Slovenia. Based on the databases of the Slovenia Forest service, we analysed overlapping of forest areas with direct and indirect protection function. We also analysed orographic, vegetation and forest stand characteristics of this areas and compared our approach with the approaches in some other Central European countries. We proposed some improvements for valorisation, planning and management in forests with protective effects.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3380134
A study of protection efficiency of beech-dominated forests in the Soteska gorge in NW Slovenia, where a main state road and railway are at risk, was performed. We assessed influential area of debris-flow hazard based on geological survey and debris flow susceptibility map. We applied the TopRunDF model for determination of the run-out zones. Forest structure data was obtained from 26 sample plots. A detailed description and delineation of forest stands was performed (method NaiS). The results showed that these forests play an important role in the protection of infrastructure. Forest protection efficiency can be improved by careful planning of regeneration patches over time and space. Since these forests have not been managed for several decades, natural disturbances (windthrows) are frequent. Research findings suggest that assessment and management of these beech-dominated protection forests is necessary, contrary to the current practice of non-management in protection forests in Slovenia.