Economic parameters of the natural forest regeneration in changing conditions - A case study

Natural regeneration is a crucial factor in improving the economy of forest estates. The presented study analysed the economic parameters of three different approaches to forest regeneration: (<i>i</i>) artificial regeneration with Norway spruce, (<i>ii</i>) a 25% admixture of soil-improving and stabilising species (SSTS), and (<i>iii</i>) natural regeneration. The expenses for these specific operations related to individual regeneration methods were derived. These variants were investigated before the bark beetle calamity (2014) and after the outbreak (2023) for management sets (MS) 531, 551, 571, and 591, i.e. for acidic, nutrient-rich, gleyed, and waterlogged sites of higher elevations. In all cases, natural regeneration decreased expenses by approximately 2 000 EUR·ha^–1 (50 000 CZK·ha^–1) to 6 000 EUR·ha^–1 (150 000 CZK·ha^–1). The 25% admixture of SSTS increased the expenses. The proportion of natural regeneration subsequently decreased due to the bark beetle calamity from roughly 40% to 10% in recent years, which is comparable with the Czech Republic as a whole.