Resources of small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.) in the State Forests

We analyzed data on wood resources of small−leaved lime in the forests managed by the State Forests, depending on the type of occurrence, age of trees, type of forest site, soil and region of the country. Particular attention was paid to the mature and close−to−mature stands with lime occurring in the overstory and undergrowth. We pointed regions and habitat conditions that are most favorable for the growth of small−leaved lime, from the point of view of its productivity. As for January 1st, 2016, the wood resources of lime amounts to 5.4 million m3 of timber. The largest part occurs in Wrocław and Olsztyn Regional Directorates of the State Forests. About 89% of the total timber resources of lime is located in the stands overstory. The timber volume of mature and close−to−mature stands (aged over 60) is 71% of the total volume. 50% of the wood resources of this layer is located in stands with 10 and 20% share of lime. The greatest average timber volume (255 m3/ha) was stated in stands with the share of lime at the level of 90%, while the average volume of the overstory is nearly 160 m3/ha. Also the wood resources of lime trees in undergrowth grows with the growing share of this species to reach about 90 m3/ha in the case of pure lime undergrowth. The largest volume is characteristic for stands with lime trees in the IV and V age classes. The lime stands growing on fresh forest and upland forest sites, and on brown and rusty soils are the most productive. The richest lime stands in the country, growing on fresh and moist forest habitats, reach over 500 m3/ha. We observe a small but steady increase in the share of small−leaved lime in the stands managed by the State Forests, in terms of both surface and volume