The influence of site factors on the composition and structure of semi-natural mixed-species stands of beech (Fagus sylvatica), silver fir (Abies alba) and Norway spruce (Picea abies) in the Upper Draganul Watershed of North-West Romania

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Abstract
Results of redundancy analyses for beech-conifer stands in the mountains of North-West Romania indicate that Abies alba predominates at mid- to upper-slope positions, on steep gradients and favours southerly aspects. In contrast Picea abies was most abundant on frost-susceptible lower slopes and damper sites with north-westerly aspects. A weak ordination with respect to site factors reflected that Fagus sylvatica may have been at the upper elevation limits for its natural distribution. It is concluded that the two conifer species have site requirements that are relatively complementary for both the production and the conservation of mixed stands.