Root system development of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) after different site preparation in the air-polluted area of the Kru né hory Mts.

The paper analyzes the development and health condition of root system in European beech aged 8--10 years, planted in the Kru né hory Mts. within the framework of reconstructions on plots prepared by various technologies before the establishment of substitute tree species stands. Root systems from natural regeneration in the Kru né hory Mts. and beech trees planted in the Bohemian-Moravian Upland served as controls. Only a third of trees from the natural regeneration developed a taproot. Planted between non-spread mounds, all beech trees developed a superficial root system. In other stands, a half of the trees had a root system with substitute taproots and a half of the trees had a superficial root system. No material differences were found in the development of the root system between beech trees in the Kru né hory Mts. and those in the Bohemian-Moravian Upland. Even in the Kru né hory Mts., the beech can be regenerated on screened localities sized up to 0.50ha.