EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH IN AGING HOLM OAK (QUERCUS-ILEX L.) COPPICES - PRELIMINARY-RESULTS

The initial data of a long-term research programme aimed at determinin g the silvicultural choices for management of ageing helm oak coppices are reported. The various treatments being tested an the following: t reatments A and B, respectively, with 50 and 250 reserve trees per hec tare, all of the same age; treatment C with 140 reserve trees per hect are, with three different ages; treatment D, conversion into high fore st; and treatment E, natural evolution (the control). A total of 15 pe rmanent plots were established (five treatments x three replicates) an d the experimental design used is that of randomized blocks. The resul ts presented regard the structural development of the coppice during t he first 2 years after coppicing. Regeneration from seed showed a sign ificant correlation with treatment. Data relative to the characteristi cs of the stands existing before the various interventions also are gi ven. Such preliminary results need further periodical observations. (( C) Inra/Elsevier, Paris.).