Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

This 30 ECTS master thesis aim was to investigate how the species composition and
structures in the understorey vegetation community affects oak seedling browsing risk,
frequency and severity.
The study was conducted in 10 mixed broadleaved forests in Southern Sweden. A subplot
sampling inventory method over transect was used in order to evaluate browsing pattern
on natural regenerated oak seedlings. Data for studies was collected in July 2009. In the total
of 200 focal oak subplots evaluation, around 8 500-undergrowth vegetation species
individuals were carried out.
The results showed that in all 10 sites together, more than half of all oaks were
browsed and third part of all damaged undergrowth species were oaks. Undergrowth
vegetation species composition and density didn’t affect browsing pattern and severity in all
ten forests. In all 200 focal oak subplots the most damaged undergrowth species were:
Quercus sp, Sorbus aucuparia, Populus tremula, and Fraxinus sp. Browsing choice and
severity was dependant on the oak seedling height by itself and available undergrowth species
height in the surroundings.
Oak stands should have a high amount of broadleave species in the undergrowth until
regeneration phase is over in order to provide enough oak seedlings per hectare for future
stand management without fencing.