Stand structure, dynamics, and disturbance processes in the selected natural Slovakian forests under changing ecological conditions

The research will aim to gather information on tree species composition and dynamics of disturbance processes in virgin forests ‘Badinsky prales’ and ‘Dobročský prales’, and in the ‘Kotlov žlab’ natural spruce forest within the context of changing ecological conditions. Based on the analysis of the current small-scale disintegration (gap dynamics) and projections in the genesis development of virgin forests (‘Badinsky prales’ and ‘Dobročský prales’) database of new and up to date collected long-term inventory measurements (ranging 40–50 years) will be utilized. The compiled database will be used to analyze factors and predict changes in tree species composition of the studied natural forests under the changing climate.