%0 Research article
%T An analysis of successful natural regeneration of downy and silver birch on abandoned farmland in Sweden
%A Karlsson, Anders
%A Albrektson, Arne
%A Forsgren, Anders
%A Svensson, Lennart
%D 1998
%J Silva Fennica
%V 32
%N 3
%R doi:10.14214/sf.683
%U https://silvafennica.fi/article/683
%X To improve our understanding of factors influencing the success of  natural regeneration with downy birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.) and  silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) on abandoned farmlands, a survey was  conducted to analyse the effects of site conditions and site preparation  characteristics. The study was based on a sample plot inventory  conducted in one northern and one southern district of Sweden, in which  29 successfully established, naturally regenerated stands, about to be  cleaned or thinned, were assessed. Radical site preparation increased  stand density and uniformity of established regeneration, and gave  faster initial development, than establishment without site preparation  on former leys or meadows. Large proportions of the total sample area  were classified as moist, and soils consisting of sand–fine sand or peat  were frequent. The frequency of birch stems was highest in mesic sites,  and on soils consisting of sand, sand–fine sand or peat. Distances to  seed-trees were generally shorter than 80 m, and downy birch was the  dominant species in most stands.