Stand structure, invasion, and growth dynamics of bog pine (Pinus uncinatavar. rotundata) in relation to peat cutting and drainage in the Jura Mountains, Switzerland

A description of bog pine stands (Pinus uncinata Ramond var. rotundata (Lin k) Antoine) on uncut oligotrophic mires affected by drainage and nearby pea t cuttings at three sites of the Jura Mountains (Switzerland) is given. In all sites, three situations were chosen: (i) central parts of the bogs, (ii ) surfaces near cutting walls and bog margins, and (iii) intermediate situa tions. Population structures were characteristic for each situation. In the open and wet central parts of the bogs, trees were scattered, small, and u neven aged. In the intermediate situations, tree density was higher, and th e stand was multilayered with taller and uneven-aged individuals. Near the edges of the bogs or close to the peat cutting walls, the trees were tall, even-aged, and younger with a high growth rate. The nonsynchronous coloniza tion of the bog pine trees on the three sites indicates that local factors such as drainage and peat cuttings in the vicinity of the uncut surfaces we re more influential than climate factors. Radial growth patterns, very simi lar between the sites and the various pinewood stands, and the numerous com mon pointer years reflect local and regional climate fluctuations. The pine wood development on uncut bogs in the Jura Mountains thus represents a rece nt dynamics, which is strongly linked to human activities.