The Fagetum in the natural forest reserve Luxensteinwand - a rare element in the Waldviertel region
Harald Vacik, BOKU - University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (AT)
Huge parts of the natural forest reserve Luxensteinwand are covered with deciduous forests representing a rare element in the coniferous dominated Waldviertel region. Changes in species composition and forest structure were investigated based on long term observations originating from 1990. Permanent sample plots and transects allowed to characterize the forest structure, stand volume, deadwood and natural regeneration. Standing volume and tree number/ha has increased and a change in tree species composition occurred due to wind disturbances and bark beetle infestations.