Management options for the conversion of allochthonous coniferous forest patches towards more natural species composition in the Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft National Park, NE Germany

The conversion of coniferous tree plantations towards natural self-regenerating forests is one the targets forestry in Europe and particularly desirable national parks. aim this study was to evaluate effectiveness different approaches (conducted once) on forest development man-made spruce plantations. We studied effects three distinct management options (partial-cutting [PC], clear-cutting with timber removal [CC] remaining [CCr]) six years after application regeneration (sapling identity, abundance, height, browsing intensity) understorey species composition former within Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft National Park Northeastern Germany. An unmanaged [M] near-natural beech [N] stands were considered as local references. sites differed significantly composition. abundance native saplings highest at site CCr, their height did not differ among sites, while intensity most pronounced CC. Understorey all equally dissimilar N. However, CCr contained more that are typically abundant forests. Clear-cutting dead wood favoured trees vegetation compared removal, partial-cutting no management. Herbivore detrimentally affected independent treatment. promoted dominance competitive herbaceous may hamper long-term regeneration. conclude progression appears proceed fastest conditions. Further data required derive clear trends regarding time direction Keywords: conversion, plantations, forest, regeneration, composition, deer