The distribution of beech and structural characteristics of beech stands in Slovenia

we analysed the distribution and structural characteristics of beech forests from databases of the forest sub-compartments (n= 70,474) and � a permanent sample plots (n= 81,�42) of the Slovenian Forest Service (SFS). we described the distribution of beech with logistic regression model; we found that environmental variables (bedrock, slope, mean annual temperature, site productivity, stoniness and rockiness of the site) and stand type have statistical significant influence on horizontal distribution ob beech (p<0.001). Beech is most likely to be found in stands at moderate productivity sites on carbonate bedrock with higher slopes and stoniness, in the zone of mean annual temperature from � °C to 10 °C. The density of beech stands is high; the average number of trees is �33 ha-1, the mean stand basal area is 30.3 m2 ha-1. Beside this, high variability of stand densities within stand types is also observed. In Slovenia and Europe, further increase of beech proportion in total growing stock and the expansion of beech forest area have been observed over the past few decades.