ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF LOGGING TIMING ON THE REGENERATION OF BLACK ALDER IN DZUKIJA FORESTS

Abstract

The study was carried out in clear-cut sites established during 2020–2024 in the Krosna, Leipalingis, Latežeris, and Musteika forest districts of the Druskininkai Regional Unit of the State Forest Enterprise. These clear-cut sites were left for natural forest regeneration, and black alder had been the dominant tree species there prior to felling. A total of 20 clear-cut sites were selected for the study, in which 10 m² sample plots were established according to site area: 5 plots in clear-cut sites up to 1 ha and 8 plots in sites ranging from 1 to 3 ha. In each sample plot, the height, density, and condition of black alder regeneration were assessed, and the collected data were analysed according to felling year and quarter in order to determine the effect of felling time on black alder stand regeneration. The results showed that the average height of regeneration was greater in sites felled in earlier years, and in most cases the highest values were recorded in sites felled during the fourth quarter of the year. Regeneration density varied more by felling year than by quarter, and in all cases the number of promising regeneration individuals exceeded that of non-promising ones.