Subject description
Research into forest habitats: Central European method of studying forest vegetation and comparison with other methods (Grime’s strategies, use of functional markers), methods of statistical processing of floristic and vegetational data (e.g., classification, ordination), phytoindication (appearance of individual plants species in relation to environmental parameters), secondary succession after disturbance, current research achievements, evaluating forest habitats, interdisciplinary approaches, use of research methods in the analysis and prognosis of the development of vegetation.
Experimental silviculture: Characteristics of research work in silviculture and assessment of current research in Slovenia in the world. Importance and measurement of selected ecological factors in forests. Application of ecological modelling in silviculture. Forest microclimate, forest stand regeneration ecology. Alternation of tree species. Particularities of research work in old-growth, protective and high mountain forests. Permanent research plots, examples of good practice, future development of silviculture. Ecological and closer-to-nature silviculture.
The subject is taught in programs
Objectives and competences
Educational aims: to develop the basic knowledge in the fields of forest ecology, phytocenology and silviculture; with discussions on contemporary ecological paradigms and theories to deepen understanding of the basic mechanisms and processes in forest ecosystems and to recognise the influence of management on their structure and functioning.
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures with participative, reflexive teaching/learning and discussions. Guided seminar work indoors and in the field. The stress is on simultaneous teaching and participation. The final examination is taken immediately after contact hours have been completed. Simultaneous assessment of achievements stimulates students for regular
Expected study results
Knowledge and understanding:
to qualify students for independent demanding developmental and elementary research work within scientific fields of forest ecology, phytocenology and silviculture. The stress is on developing the capacity for critical assessment of research results and scientific publications, characterising development and research problems, choice of suitable methods and preparation of proposals of research projects; understanding methods of linking pedagogic, research and development work and recognising the importance of long-term research and permanent research plots.
Basic sources and literature
Barnes, B.V., Zak, D.R., Denton, S.R., Spurr, S.H., 1998. Forest ecology. John Wiley & Sons, New York.
Kimmins, J.P., 1997. Forest Ecology: A Foundation for Sustainable Management. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.
Krumm, F., Schuck, A., and Rigling, A. (eds.). (2021). How to balance forestry and biodiversity conservation. WSL, EFI.
Larsen, J.B., Angelstam, P., Bauhus, J., Carvalho, J.F., Diaci, J., Dobrowolska, D., Gazda, A., Gustafsson, L., Krumm, F., Knoke, T., Konczal, A., Kuuluvainen, T., Mason, B., Motta, R., Pötzelsberger, E., Rigling, A., Schuck, A. (2022). Closer-to-Nature Forest Management. European Forest Institute.
Smith, D.M., Larson, B.C., Kelthy, M.J., Ashton, P.M.S., 1997. The practice of silviculture: applied forest ecology. John Wiley & Sons, inc., New York.
Smith,T.M., Shugart, H.H. & Woodward F.I. 1997. Plant Functional Types. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 369 s.
Van der Marel, E., 2005. Vegetation Ecology; Blackwell Science Ltd., 395 s.
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