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Gewählte Master / Diploma Thesis:

Darius-George Hardalau (2022): Comparative assessment of natural regeneration across natural forest reserves in Austria.
Master / Diploma Thesis - Institut für Waldbau (WALDBAU), BOKU-Universität für Bodenkultur, pp 77. UB BOKU obvsg FullText

Data Source: ZID Abstracts

Abstract:: Natural forest reserves are protected areas in Austria where no silvicultural treatments or any management is allowed. In 2021, 200 fixed radius sample plots of 300 square meters were resampled across 6 natural reserves to examine natural regeneration dynamics. All studied reserves are in a mountainous area with similar site conditions. A descriptive analysis of the main parameters of different natural regeneration categories with various height classes was carried out for Norway Spruce (Picea abies L). The analysis of the capacity of all natural reserves to regenerate naturally allowed determining the parameters that influence this process negatively or positively. Additionally, the height growth of Norway Spruce was analyzed to find out the growth potential of the seedlings in the 30-130 cm category and the factors influencing this process. In comparing the natural reserves differences in the mean number of seedlings per hectare in each category were identified. A lognormal distribution described the height and diameter of the 30-130 cm saplings and different intensities of browsing were found. A logistic regression model allowed to determinate the significant factors, that support a successful establishment of the seedlings. The ground vegetation, soil type and microrelief had a negative influence on the seedling occurrence, while mosses, slope, mesorelief, deadwood and basal area had a positive influence. In the growth analysis, only one significant factor (amount of deadwood) was identified. Both analyses revealed that deadwood in an advanced stage of decay has a significant positive influence on the natural regeneration. It was concluded that the dynamics of natural forest reserves are dependent on natural disasters and environmental conditions, but even without human intervention, these forest reserves have the capacity to restore and regenerate themselves over time.; Beurteilende*r: Vacik Harald; 1.Mitwirkender: