Windthrow factors - a case study on Pokljuka

Nikica Ogris and Sašo Džeroski and Maja Jurc (2004) Windthrow factors - a case study on Pokljuka. Zbornik gozdarstva in lesarstva (74). pp. 59-76. ISSN 0351-3114

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Abstract

This paper presents a case study in windthrow. The case study area was 1.7 ha of two forest gaps on the Pokljuka plateau, Slovenia, where strong wind had blown down 44 trees. An additional 44 standing trees closest to the fallen trees were used as a control group for comparative purposes. The following variables were measured for fallen trees: breast diameter, height, crown diameter and height as well, the number and diameter of roots, the volume of the root system, and root rot. Standing trees were measured for breast diameter, height, crown diameter and height, and the number and diameter of roots. The data were analysed using the machine learning methods in the Weka computer program. The most important factors of windthrow in the case study area were: storm wind (speed above 17 m/s), wet shallow soil, and the edges ofthe forest gaps. The results of the case study show that breast diameter, tree height and the presence of root rot can be classified as windthrow factors

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