Influence of herb layer on the undergrowth of pine forests after shelter-wood cuttings

Abstract

Formation of undergrowth and herb layer of pinewoods after Labanauskas shelter-wood cutting in Nb soil site in venčioneliai forest state enterprise was investigated. Undergrowth and herb layer was described and evaluated in sample plots 2 x 20 meters (40 square meters) using approved methodology. It was determined that as shelter-wood cutting aged, projection cover of heather (Calluna vulgaris L.) and red bilberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) has increased while projection cover of rough small-reed (Calamagrostis arundinacea L.) and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) has decreased. The following relationships were observed: strong negative correlation between wood cow-wheat (Melampyrum nemorosum L.) and heather (Calluna vulgaris L.); moderate positive between raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) and common bracken (Pteridium aquilinum L.); moderate positive between raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) and common bent (Agrostis capillaris L.). Weak positive correlation was determined between number of Scots pine sapling after shelter-wood cutting and projection cover of both heather (Calluna vulgaris L.) and red bilberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.). Weak negative correlation was estimated between number of Scots pine sapling after shelter-wood cutting and projection cover of raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.), bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), common bracken (Pteridium aquilinum L.) and common bent (Agrostis capillaris L.).