Effects of environmental factors and management on dynamics of mixed calcareous forests under climate change in Central European lowlands

Mixed lowland forests reserved for natural succession are sparse in the Czech Republic. However, their development provides essential insights into processes of these and recommendations forest management a changing climate. The research describes dynamics, productivity, structure, diversity, dead wood, radial growth hornbeam-oak groves calcareous beech-dominated Karlštejn National Nature Reserve (Czechia) based on inventory 2002, 2008, 2014 2020. objective was to evaluate changes differently managed stands (high forest, coppice with standards, coppice) after leaving spontaneous 2004. tree density increased by 2–10% from 2002 decreased 6–18% In high an increase stand volume observed during whole period, while standards coppice, only until 2014. ranged 190 (coppice) 630 forest) m³ ha−1 2020 average 28% over 18 years. Overall diversity layer showed uneven structure substantially diverse other variants. deadwood has been steadily increasing (18–35 2020), accumulating 1 yr−1. A lack precipitation temperatures June August were main limiting factors species, number negative pointer years last decade. European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) most sensitive species climate compared resilient ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.). lowest fluctuations diameter increment recorded Norway maple (Acer platanoides highest temperature cycles 7–15 Over 20 years, sessile oak [Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.] 7%, reported decrease maximum (by −38%). as characterized higher production potential lower had slower dynamics when coppice.