Production of Douglas-Fir in the Czech Republic based on national forest inventory data

Abstract

This article summarizes basic estimates of productivity and trend analysis of one of the principal introduced forest tree species in the Czech Republic, i.e. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirbel] Franco). As a comparison, we also examine grand fir (Abies grandis [D. Don] Lindl), northern red oak (Quercus rubra L. syn. Quercus borealis Michx.) and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L). This paper presents estimates of forest land area, standing volume, annual and total increments, distribution of age classes, average ages and site indexes for the period 1979–2010. All data were obtained from the national forest inventory of the Czech Republic. Korf’s growth function was used for the assessment of current and mean annual increments (CAI, MAI) of Douglas-fir compared to other tree species. Our results suggest a decline in the annual area afforested by Douglas-fir, as influenced by the State administration management choices, a low rate of an increase in the forest land area, increasing average age of the forests. On the other hand, we observed a dramatic increase in the standing volume as well as high annual increments in volume. Douglas-fir is the most productive major tree species in the Czech Republic and there is a great potential to expand its use throughout the country.