Silvicultural and ameliorative measures in the special purpose forest in the suburban zone of the city of Belgrade, Serbia

Abstract

The paper presents the findings of a research study into environmental conditions, the state and the quality of a mixed stand of Hungarian oak and Turkey oak (Quercetum frainetto cerridis Rudski 1945) belonging to the Lipovica forest complex in the area of Belgrade - Serbia. This is a 65-70 years old even-aged coppice stand. According to its position and its functions in the suburban zone of the city, the stand is classified as a special purpose forest. Regarding the orographic conditions, it has old and developed topography on the southern periphery of the Pannonian Basin, the easterly aspect and the mild slope inclination (8-10 degrees). The soil is classified as lessive brown forest soil. The climate has features of the moist subhumid (C-2) climate type. According to the site conditions and the stand phytosociology, it can be typologically classified as a Hungarian oak and Turkey oak forest (Quercetum frainetto-cerridis typicum) on lessive brown soil. The average number of trees is 740 trees per hectare and the average wood volume is 277.8 m(3).ha(-1). Hungarian oak accounts for 60.1% of trees in the stand mixture and 73.5% of the wood volume. Turkey oak participates with 13.5% in the number of trees and 25.1% in the wood volume. The mean stand diameter is 20.8 cm, with the mean Turkey oak diameter being by 5.1 cm larger than the mean Hungarian oak diameter. The results of the study indicate that selective thinning of low intensity should be proposed. The proposed silvicultural measures are shown using the methods of simulation and visualization. Taking into consideration the age of the stand, the results of the research and the special purpose character of the forest complex, regeneration measures to be applied should include stand conversion with the longest possible regeneration period.