Homogeneity and spatial structure of mature stands of sessile oak in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Elements of the spatial stand structure were investigated in pure mature stands of sessile oak in the continental part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Temporary test areas were set up at five locations, ie in five ecological units. The stands are in the 7th age class (120–140 years). The basic elements of stand structure by ecological units were determined and analyzed: number of trees per hectare, mean diameter, mean height, mean crown projection area, basal area per hectare and growing stock. Homogeneity indices were calculated to define the homogeneity of stands. In the investigated stands, the homogeneity decreases with the deterioration of habitat conditions. Indices of differentiation of tree diameters by localities or ecological units are approximately equal and amount to about 0.20, which practically means that on average a randomly selected tree and its nearest neighboring tree are in such relationship that the diameter of a thinner tree is 80% of the diameter of a thicker tree. By applying the methods for determining the spatial distribution of trees, significant randomness in tree distribution was stated. There are no reliable data on the treatment of the studied stands in the past. Based on the determined values of growth elements, homogeneity index and structure analysis, it can be concluded that in the investigated stands, low - thinning fellings were mainly carried out.