Breaking through beech: A three-decade rise of sycamore in old-growth European forest

摘要: Abstract European beech ( Fagus sylvatica ) increases its dominance in various forest types Central Europe. In this context we investigated a very exceptional process, which have been partly outcompeted by sycamore maple Acer pseudoplatanus unmanaged without severe disturbances. Main research questions were as follows: (i) How did the spatial patterns of and develop, can these be described known models?; (ii) What relationships between sycamore?; (iii) Does relationship advance regeneration to gap-makers differ for two species?; (iv) Did presence road influence spread population? The study was conducted beech-dominated Žakova hora central part Czech Republic has left spontaneous development 85 years. We studied long-term dynamics using stem position maps trees with DBH ⩾ 10 cm carried out 1974, 1995 2011. used standard methods calculating recruitment, mortality population change. Various pair correlation function applied describe tree patterns. Our results showed that regenerated close vicinity other conspecific trees. Sycamore recruits not spatially associated individual gap makers. individuals had highly clustered distribution, number grew mostly through increasing existing clusters. successfully fitted Matern cluster process radius model ranged 6 16 m. By contrast, negatively correlated older independence or positive veterans. significantly promoted recruitment (opposed beech). If expansion is connected thickening clusters only, our indicate, then it temporally limited process.