The lower storeys of main tree species in deciduous pioneer tree stands of fertile sites: case of Lithuania

Forest ecosystems face challenges of climate change and the pressure economic activity on biodiversity. As European policies turn into Green Deal, ecological forestry systems, which aim to increase or at least not reduce biodiversity while maintaining high forest productivity, are becoming particularly relevant. This study examines distribution regularities lower storeys main tree species in fertile wet habitats communities composed pioneer deciduous species, understanding will allow development systems that exploit natural regeneration potential. We used stand-wise inventory data Betula spp., Populus tremula, Alnus incana mature overmatured stands. analysed how distributed stands different according soil conditions, age, stocking level mixture. found most second story understory, from new can be formed. forests have greatest potential for regeneration, lowest one. The important understory is Picea abies, rarer Fraxinus excelsior Tilia cordata, other more random. With an increasing mixture, often. To clear-cutting forestry, we need focus measures major climax species. Keywords: succession, site type, stands, temperate hemiboreal forests.