Ecological Potential of Mediterranean Habitats for Black Pine (Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold) in Croatia

Abstract

This study outlines research performed on experimental plots established in forest plantations and in natural black pine forests. The objective of the study was to determine the habitat factors that have the greatest impact on the growth and development of natural black pine forests and black pine forests plantations upon the return of climatozonal vegetation. Plots 625 m2 in size were selected and vegetation inventories made, and the structural elements of black pine plantations examined. Multivariate analysis found that elevation and slope were the two variables that had the highest positive correlation with the floristic composition of the vegetation. Furthermore, one of the goals was to determine the differences with regard to reforestation with black pine. The analysis of the isolated experimental plots showed a clear grouping of plots according to habitat factors. The differences in the synecological factors in the research area resulted in the presence of sub-Mediterranean, epi-Mediterranean and eu-Mediterranean elements within the black pine forest plantations. This also reduces the risk of the occurrence and development of large wildfires.