Comparison of floristic composition of submontane beech forest and artificial established stands of Norway spruce on Mt. Kosmaj

Abstract

The paper presents the comparative characteristics of the floristic composition in the association of the submontane beech forest (Helleboro odori-Fagetum moesiacae Soo & Borhidi 1960.) and artificially established spruce stands (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) in the area of Kosmaj. According to the obtained results, the cover in the shrub and ground flora layers of the artificially established spruce stands increased significantly compared to the autochthonous beech forests, but the floristic diversity decreased. Regarding the spectrum of floral elements, a higher percentage of mesophilic (51%) and frigophilic plants (11%) was observed in the artificially established spruce stands compared to the beech forests. Significant differences could also be observed regarding the spectrum of life forms since there were twice as many phanerophytes in the artificially established spruce stands (48%) than in the beech forests (23%). This resulted from the open canopy of artificially established spruce stands and the influx of a greater amount of light, which made conditions favourable for an abundant shrub layer to develop in this community. A comparative study of the mean plant indicator values showed that in the artificially established spruce stands, the mean values of the ecological factors for moisture, light and soil nitrogen supply increased, while the value of the ecological factors for temperature and soil acidity decreased compared to the beech forests.