Ukrainian Journal of Forest and Wood Science

Beech forests are distributed in a large area, both mountainous and plain territory of Ukraine. Investigation of the patterns of growth of modal stands requires a detailed study of their existing condition. Based on the standwise database of PA “Ukrderzhlisproekt” (as of 01.01.2011) we have analyzed distribution, current state and detailed mensurational characteristics of beech stands that grow in Ukraine. We have calculated the main mean mensurational indices for beech stands and conducted a detailed analysis of growth of this tree species in terms of origin, type of site conditions, age structure, site index classes, relative stocking and share of the tree species in stand composition. The results show that beech stands grow mainly in rich soil fertility and wet soil moisture conditions (most common conditions D2, D3, C2 and C3) in which it have the highest productivity. In terms of stand origin, natural seed stands are dominant (87.6 % of the area of beech forests). Distribution by age structure is dominated by middle-aged stands with their considerable dominance of VI, VII and VIII classes of age. The mean site index class equals I,1, mean relative stocking – 0,69, mean growing stock – 318 m3*ha-1.

European beech, Oriental beech, modal stands, origin of stands, type of site conditions, site index class, relative stocking