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characTerIsTIcs aNd ForesT maNaGemeNT<br />
The territory of the Czech Republic is divi<strong>de</strong>d into 41 Natural Forest Regions, <strong>de</strong>limited by geographic,<br />
geomorphologic and climatic conditions (Plíva, Žlábek 1986). Ecological conditions affect the<br />
representation and formation of regional populations which are adapted to local conditions. There<br />
are nine forest altitudinal zones (FAZ) in the Czech Republic. Beech occurs naturally from FAZ 2<br />
to . Beech stands survived in extremely steep areas, where it was impossible to carry out artificial<br />
regeneration with spruce. At these locations beech also regenerates naturally.<br />
European beech distribution map in the Czech Republic are published in Čermák et al. (1955),<br />
Götz (1966), Moravec, Neuhäusl (19 6), Slavík (1990), Neuhäuslová et al. (1998). The actual<br />
distribution range of European beech in the Czech Republic according to the National Forest<br />
Inventory is presented in Figure 1.<br />
Fig. 1: Present distribution range of European beech in the Czech Republic (Source ÚHÚL: Národní<br />
inventarizace lesů v České republice 2001 – 2004)<br />
In the Czech Republic, European beech is represented in three associations: Herb-rich woodlands<br />
(eu-Fagenion Oberdorfer 195 em. Tüxen in Oberdorfer et Tüxen 1958) – beech, silver fir-beech and<br />
lime-beech climax or subclimax woodlands (Fagus sylvatica, Abies alba, Tilia cordata, T. platyphyllos)<br />
with frequent herbs or grasses, on siliceous brown forest soils (brown earths, cambisoils) in the<br />
submontane and montane levels. Calcicolous beech woodland (Cephalanthero-Fagenion Tüxen in<br />
Tüxen et Oberdorfer 195 ) – beech woodland (Fagus sylvatica) on rendzina soils on substrates rich<br />
in carbonates or with an admixture of CaCO 3 , mostly in the submontane or montane, rarely colline,<br />
levels. Acidophilous beech and silver fir woodland (Luzulo-Fagion Lohmeyer et Tüxen in Tüxen 1954)<br />
– mesophilous species-poor beech and silver fir woodland on oligotrophic siliceous soils, mostly in<br />
the submontane to supramontane levels, and waterlogged oak-beech woodland on pseudogleys at<br />
lower elevations in north-eastern Moravia (Neuhäuslová et al. 1998).<br />
European beech wood is often characterized by “red heart”, however, it is possible to obtain valuable<br />
assortments from higher parts of stem, while affected parts are usually processed for firewood or<br />
cellulose (Úradníček et al. 2001).<br />
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