Structural changes in a primeval beech forest at the landscape scale

Quantitative estimates of change primeval European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests at the landscape scale over time are scarce due to both few remnants such and absence repeated sample plot inventories. This forest ecosystem is thought be relatively stable time, but it remains unclear what drivers contribute this stability. Here, we studied temporal in one largest forests. Our analysis based on two consecutive inventories 238 permanent plots Uholka-Shyrokyi Luh Transcarpathia, Ukraine, covering 102.8 km2. The were carried out 2010 2019. data allowed us derive quantitative for main structural characteristics tree density, basal area volume a characterize demographic processes that shape ecosystem. density (2010: 441 N ha1, 2019: 458 ha?1), 35.9 m2 ha?1, 35.4 standing 578 m3 584 ha?1) living trees remained between species composition, characterized by pronounced dominance beech, virtually unchanged as well, with 97.9% stems being first 97.1% second inventory. In contrast, observed high dynamic when looking more closely. About 11% found alive died until 2019, resulting an annual mortality rate 1.3%. Ingrowing compensated or decayed regarding only small extent volume. lost was largely growth (8.0 ha?1 year?1) surviving trees. work characterizes attributes period nine years provides baseline indicators development dynamics It broadens our understanding about contribution compositional continuity