Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) stands and its herb layer in a Czech commercial forests

Abstract

Influence of allochtonous stands introduced Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) on understoryvegetation was studied on 44 plots in Czechia territory. Stands had to be 60 years old at least. Norwayspruce (Picea abies), European beech (Fagus sylvatica), oaks – Sessile and Pedunculate (Quercus petraeaand Q. robur) and other commercial tree species (Tilia cordata, Acer pseudoplatanus, Pinus sylvestrisand Larix deciduas) stands were chosen to compare. Compared stands had always the same habitatconditions as Douglas-fir plot.Results have shown that Douglas-fir stands have not unambiguous characteristic species of the herblayer, but they show higher increase of nitrophilous species.