An ecological basis for beech management in New Zealand.

Authors: J. Wardle
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1983, Issue N.Z.J.For. 28(3) 1983, pp 292-299, Nov 1983
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: The beech species tolerate relatively harsh environments com* pared with most other New Zealand trees. They are the physiognomic dominants of the mountains, in the drier and southern regions, and on poorly drained and infertile soils. In these cweas they form forests which are usually simple, both in structure and composition, and, except in the most extreme situations, they regenerate here with ease.

As the site improves and the diversity of the forest increases, the reproductive behaviour of the beeches places them at a competitive disadvantage with other elements of the flora. They do not sucker readily, seeding is intermittent, and the seedlings are poor competitors and require light for development. The beeches have difficulty in establishing where ferns, herbs and shrubs cover the forest floor, and suitable sites become restricted to freshly exposed mineral surfaces, stumps and fallen logs. Though the potential for rapid growth of beech is probably better in forests growing under these more optimal conditions than elsewhere, good regeneration may be difficult to achieve without appropriate manipulation of the stands.

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