Natural regeneration of mixed spruce and fir stand (Abieti-Piceetum) damaged by spruce bark beetles in the area of Knezevo

Natural regeneration in a mixed fir and spruce stand (Abieti [long dash] Piceetum) was resea- rched on the areas damaged by spruce bark beetles and reclaimed by clear cutting. The damage occurred in 2003 due to poorly applied forest order. All the infested and dead, mainly spruce trees, damaged by spruce bark beetles (Pityogenes chalcographus and Ips typographus) were removed by clear cutting in the form of irregular circular areas. The degree of regeneration, abundance and the characteristics of fir and spruce young growth were studieddepending on the aspect of the regeneration areas and their sizes. Natural regeneration of firand spruce stands after the reclamation of the damage caused by bark beetles should be adapted to a specific management system, because the differences in fir and spruce bioecological characters require different silvicultural procedures depending on the actual state. By the application of clear cutting in the form of circular areas with eccentric extensions, the conditions of spruce natural regeneration can be improved in the aim of achieving the technical goals of management of mixed fir and spruce forests.