Assuming multilayer structure as optimal for silver fir stands, we attempted to answer the following questions: 1) how to describe such structure, 2) to what extent does the structure of a particular stand differ from the optimal one, and 3) how to obtain the optimal structure. The study was based on the material collected in 12 stands in the Nawojowa Forest District (S Poland). Three to five 0.04 hectare circular plots were established in each stand, and diameters at breast height (d) of all trees with d > 7 cm were measured. Height (h) was measured for 25 trees selected within the stand. The top height determined for each stand enabled to classify trees into two layers: higher (group I) or lower (group II) than ⅔ of top height. Trees with d<7 cm were divided into 3 layers according to the height: III – h>2 m (higher upgrowth), IV – h between 0.5 and 2 m (lower upgrowth), and V – h<0.5 m (seedlings). Trees in layer V were counted on a 0.005 ha plot, while trees in layers IV and III on a 0.04 ha plot. The selected fir stands revealed high diversity in basic characteristics (tab. 1 and 2). The number of trees in layer III was higher than in layer II only in one stand, and was larger than the number of trees in layer I. Moreover, the variation in tree height formed a vertical canopy closure. The stand was considered to be a model one, and used to develop diameter distribution according to the BDq method. Most stands characterized a smaller number of trees in lower and larger in higher diameter classes compared to the model distribution. It seems that large number of thick trees prevent satisfactory growth of thinner trees. Fir stands proved to have a mosaic vertical structure. In some fragments, eight classes can be distinguished including one layer only: 1) upper (I), 2) middle (II), 3) upgrowth (III), combination of layers: 4) I and II, 5) I and III, 6) II and III, 7) I, II and III, and 8) gaps. The multi−layer structure of fir stands can be maintained only in the form of such a mosaic, but single−layer fragments are also needed to enhance the natural regeneration. We could select a stand with a close−to−optimal multilayer structure, which was considered as a model one and its diameter distribution was used in the BDq method. A comparison of the model curve with the empirical distribution of diameters at breast height for the stand under consideration allows determining diameter classes with an excess of trees that can be harvested without the fear of losing the multilayer structure of the stand. Whether a given tree has to be cut should depend on the vertical differentiation of trees in a particular fragment of the stand. In further studies, measurements in multilayer fir stands should be conducted to verify the model distribution.
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