Regeneration processes of mixed deciduous and mountain spruce natural forests and possibility of their use in the conversion of commercial spruce forests

The objective of the project is focused on the analysis of light microclimate of selected commercial forests and incremental response of subsequent stand on changes of light conditions caused by disturbances, damage or forest management. The object of research will be natural mixed deciduous forests, mountain spruce forests, and commercial spruce forests. The result of the research will be the characteristics of change dynamics of canopy layer of particular ecosystems, their influence on changes of light microclimate and subsequently the derivation of incremental change dynamics of following generation. Comparison of natural regeneration growth dynamics, will enable to propose such silvicultural practices, which would serve to enhance the stability of commercial spruce forests.