Some criteria of regeneration density in young beech populations

Some criteria of density in beech saplings were studied in various forest associations (mainly Galio odorati-Fagetum typicum) growing in the submontane region near Zurich (Swiss Central Plateau). The sample plots were established in regeneration gaps resulting from Swiss irregular shelter wood system (Femelschlag). Five sample plots, each 2x2m in 3 transects (a total of 15 plots in each gap, x 10 gaps), were laid out from the center to the edge of the gap and under the old growth stand in the upper, middle and lower parts of the gap. Three collective criteria (i) number of saplings (Nm-2), (ii) mean distance of saplings and (iii) crown competition factor and one individual criterion (growth space) were investigated within the sample plots. Results showed that the density of beech saplings was not homogenous. The number of saplings (Nm-2) had wide amplitude, which varied between 2.5 and 54.8 and the mean distance of saplings varied between 14.5 and 68.0 cm. The crown competition factor varied between 1 (100%) and 5 (500%) indicating five times of overlapping in crown space of saplings, while the growth space of the studied beech saplings varied between 1.2 and 12.0.