Study on the Natural Regeneration of the Beech in the “Izvoarele Nerei” Nature Reserve

Abstract

Natural regeneration in virgin forests is a vital process for the maintenance and healthy development of these exceptional ecosystems. At the heart of these forests, natural processes run their course in a subtle dance of life, in every aspect – from seeds and soil to climate conditions and species biodiversity – contributing to their continued perpetuation and evolution. The study is based on measurements regarding the natural regeneration of beech stands in the “Izvoarele Nerei” Nature Reserve, more precisely on the surface of two plots of one hectare, located at 1350 meters altitude in which 4 sample surfaces were placed in the direction of each point cardinal. On each surface obtained, each seedling with a height of less than 150 centimeters was inventoried. More precisely, following the inventory of the 8 sample areas, a number of 712 saplings were obtained, thus concretizing a fundamental parameter for the characterization and evaluation of the stand. The study of beech regeneration in the virgin forest is considered timely and of great importance for a better understanding of the natural processes and dynamics of the virgin forest as the most important model for the development of a forest management strategy including major aspects related to the sustainable conservation of the natural diversity of forests and the ecological reconstruction of derived forest ecosystems as part of a participatory process with wide social acceptance.