Characteristics of silver fir ( Abies alba Mill.) development in selection forests at different sites - study of Mt. Goc forests (central Serbia)

Abstract

The laws and dynamics of individual silver fir tree development in selection forests were studied. The specificities of fir development are: stage of stagnation, rather significant correlation between tree development (especially height) in the post-stagnation period and the dimensions reached at the end of the stagnation stage, two culminations in current diameter and height increment, and a great proximity in the culminations times at different sites. The length of silver fir stagnation and its development and increment over the long post-stagnation period (60 to 70 years in concrete conditions) are affected predominantly by the growing space. After this period, site conditions have the prevailing effect on tree development. The high and long-lasting effect of growing space enables forestry experts to influence the selection forest processes by regulating the light regime. They can accelerate or slow down the processes, but the limiting factor must be the conservation of the selection structure.