Annual dynamics of natural regeneration of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) on a research plot located in the area of forest decline in the Silesian Beskid Mountains

Abstract

The study shows a high dynamics approximately five-year-old natural regeneration of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) growing on the research plot located in the fertile mountain habitat in the middle of the lower montane forest zone in the Silesian Beskid Mountains (Beskid Śląski) compared to its co-occurring species. The dynamics is expressed as a significant annual increment in height and diameter of birch trees, leading in consequence to the appearance of an older sapling phase for most regenerations of this species. This creates the possibility of early undercanopy planting of tree species adjusted to the site conditions, mainly silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.).