ECOLOGICAL STATUS OF XEROTHERMIC OAK ECOSYSTEMS SCI ZAPADNA STARA PLANINA I PREDBALKAN

N. Georgieva, M. Lyubenova

Abstract: The publication presents investigation on ecological status of xerothermic oak ecosystems in SCI “Zapadna Stara Planina i Predbalkan” (BG0001040). The reproductive capacity of tree layer and health status of forest communities are evaluated. The indicators, set out in forest monitoring, are assessed such as: defoliation and discoloration of the crown, damage coeffi cient of forest ecosystems, chemical analysis of soil, mulch and litter-fall (as a nutrient reserve for plant communities) and intensity of biological cycle. The investigated xerothermic oak ecosystems still are in a good ecological status according to the obtained data and calculated indices. Nevertheless a couple of negative trends are obtained: low average age of seedlings, low survival rate, turfi ng in herbaceous layer and increasing number of dried trees number.

Keywords: ecological status; oak ecosystems; protected zone

Date published: 2017-10-20