ANALYSIS OF UNDERGROWTH ABUNDANCE IN PRIENAI RP LARCH STANDS

Abstract

This study analyzed undergrowth abundance in 40 larch stands within the Prienai regional subdivision (aged 30–60 years, with a density of 0.5–1.0, located in Lc, Nb, Nc, and Nd site types). The research evaluated undergrowth abundance and its correlation with various stand parameters: stand degsite, tree count, secondary layer density, understory (shrub layer) density, and site type. Data processing was performed using MS Excel and Statistica software.

The study revealed that site type, stand age, and stand composition (mixture) had a statistically significant impact on undergrowth abundance in the investigated larch stands. The highest undergrowth abundance was recorded in fertile sites with normal moisture (Ndp), reaching up to 2,000 units/ha. Regarding stand age, the peak abundance was observed in 45-year-old stands (approximately 1.45 thousand units/ha), while a declining trend was noted in older stands. Furthermore, it was determined that undergrowth abundance in pure larch stands is approximately 2.3 times higher than in mixed stands. Stand density, total tree count, and secondary layer density did not have a statistically significant influence on undergrowth abundance.