Avståndsberoende variation i höjd- och diametertillväxt samt markvegetationen i angränsande äldre och yngre bokbestånd, i Halland.

Sammanfattning

Previous studies show that edge effects can influence both tree growth and ground vegetation in forest stands. However, the extent and impact of these effects can vary depending on several factors, such as tree species, stand structure and local environmental conditions. Studies in the Nordic countries have almost exclusively been conducted in forest stands dominated by Scots pine and Norway spruce, and there is limited knowledge of how these processes operate in beech-dominated stands under southern Swedish conditions. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of forest edges on tree height and diameter growth, as well as ground vegetation, in older and younger beech forest stands. The study was conducted in four different stands in south-western Sweden during February 2026. The results showed that tree development in both the older and younger stands was negatively affected by the changed environmental conditions that occurred in the edge zone. The edge effect was especially clear in the younger stands. Although tree development was inhibited by the older forest, the establishment of naturally regenerated trees was high closer to the forest edge. This may indicate that beech can establish after harvesting, especially in the distance class 0-5 m from the adjacent older forest. Ground vegetation showed an increase in several species groups in the younger stands compared with the older stands. This may indicate that regeneration harvesting benefits the establishment of certain opportunistic species groups.