Phytosociological Analysis of Natural and Artificial Pine Forests of the Class Vaccinio-Piceetea Br.-Bl. in Br.-Bl. et al. 1939 in the Sudetes and Their Foreland (Bohemian Massif, Central Europe)

Research Highlights: Differentiation of Scots pine forests the class Vaccinio-Piceetea in Poland has been subject numerous studies, including revisions. Despite that, area southwestern was hitherto practically unexplored this respect. Background and Objectives: The aim work therefore (i) to present diversity Sudetes their foreland; (ii) compare ecology studied communities. Materials Methods: We analyzed 175 phytosociological relevés collected between 1991 2020 natural anthropogenic stands. To identify vegetation types, we used modified TWINSPAN algorithm; principal coordinate analysis, distance-based redundancy analysis permutational tests were applied variation explained main environmental gradients shaping plant Results: Five associations distinguished: thermophilous Asplenio cuneifolii-Pinetum sylvestris Pišta ex Husová et al. 2002, which develops on shallow soils over ultrabasic substrates, Hieracio pallidi-Pinetum Stöcker 1965, prefers outcrops acidic rocks; Betulo carpaticae-Pinetum Mikyška 1970, is relict origin occurs upper Cretaceous sandstones, peatland pine–birch Vaccinio uliginosi-Betuletum pubescentis Libbert 1933 myrtilli-Pinetum Juraszek 1928. Moreover, community Brachypodium sylvaticum-Pinus with occurrence many basiphilous species also found limestone substratum. composition plantations established deciduous mixed habitats revealed that these communities marked by a random combination certain group common forest generalists participated. distinguished differed clearly among each other habitat characteristics. Particularly important for differentiation soil reaction nutrients, supported differences moisture, temperature light availability. Apart from edaphic factors, altitude bedrock type proved be equally important. Conclusions: Our study provides new remarks typology synecology SW Poland.