The development of European beech originating from direct seeding under the canopy of mature Norway spruce was analyzed over 12 years. The results showed (i) that in even-aged regenerations of high stand density competition occurs even in the year following germination. In this stage the seedlings seem to compete mainly for light. (ii) Differences in height between seedlings, resulting from different growth responses within the first two years, did constantly increased over time. Thus initial differences in seedling height determine the structure of predominance and suppression of the entire further stand development. (iii) Although mortality occured due to competition, twelve years old beech saplings maintain a surprisingly high stand density (up to 350,000 ha-1) even under the canopy of overstorey trees. In view of genetic inventories the results indicate that surveys aiming at estimations of the genetic variability of the future stand should be focused on the tallest and hence dominating seedlings within the regeneration.     «

The development of European beech originating from direct seeding under the canopy of mature Norway spruce was analyzed over 12 years. The results showed (i) that in even-aged regenerations of high stand density competition occurs even in the year following germination. In this stage the seedlings seem to compete mainly for light. (ii) Differences in height between seedlings, resulting from different growth responses within the first two years, did constantly increased over time. Thus initial di...     »