Elongated gaps provide a good compromise between abiotic and competitive conditions for sessile oak regeneration

Tinya, Flóra and Csépányi, Péter and Gathoni Gitau, Margaret and Horváth, Csenge Veronika and Kovács, Bence and Németh, Csaba and Ódor, Péter (2026) Elongated gaps provide a good compromise between abiotic and competitive conditions for sessile oak regeneration. FOREST ECOSYSTEMS, 16. No. -100472. ISSN 2095-6355

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Abstract

Continuous cover forestry is gaining importance in temperate forests as an alternative to rotation forestry. However, for light-demanding oaks, especially when coexisting with shade-tolerant tree species, the optimal gap size and shape for successful regeneration remain unclear. We therefore examined the effects of four gap types—two sizes (150 and 300 m 2 ) and two shapes (circular and elongated)—on initial sessile oak (Quercus petraea) regeneration, abiotic conditions, and competitive vegetation in an oak–hornbeam forest in Hungary. We found that tended oak saplings showed the best growth in the initially brightest and most moist large circular gaps. Growth in large elongated gaps (initially with similar light level but drier soil) and small circular gaps (with similar soil moisture but lower light) was slightly lower. In small elongated gaps, where resources were limited, oak growth was slower but still better than in the closed stand. Survival of tended oak saplings was the highest in large gaps and small circular gaps, with intermediate survival in small elongated gaps. Hornbeam abundance and growth was greater in initially moister circular gaps. In untended quadrats, where competition was present, oak saplings were the most abundant in small elongated gaps. However, their growth was slow. Our results suggest that oak regeneration can be initiated in all 150–300 m 2 gap types, though tending effort requirements and sapling growth vary. Large circular gaps provide the best abiotic conditions, but if competition is also considered, oak regeneration can be initiated most efficiently (requiring less tending) in elongated gaps. Large elongated gaps allow for higher survival rates and greater growth than small ones, but due to the higher levels of competition, more tending is required. Small elongated gaps may need expansion after a few years to avoid high mortality, but they offer the advantage of continued acorn availability, increasing regeneration chances.

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