CURRENT STATE OF KNOWLEDGE ON THE REGENERATION OF PEDUNCULATE OAK (QUERCUS ROBUR L.)

Abstract

The paper investigates in detail the ecological, silvicultural and socio-economic processes involved in the regeneration of one of the most valuable native forest species. The pedunculate oak, which plays a major role in maintaining biodiversity, ecosystem stability and providing high-quality wood resources, is currently facing a number of difficulties in the regeneration process, especially in lowland areas affected by climate change and anthropogenic pressure.
The study compares natural and artificial regeneration methods applied in the forests of the Oltenia Plain, highlighting the influence of edaphic, climatic and biological factors on the success of regeneration. It addresses in detail competition with invasive or aggressive species, the effects of overgrazing, the fragmentation of forest habitats and changes in the local hydrological regime. It also evaluates various silvicultural interventions, innovative technologies and best practices used to stimulate the regeneration of natural seedling stands and oak crops.
The paper provides an integrated perspective on the dynamics of pedunculate oak regeneration, proposing a set of adaptive strategies aimed at both conserving local genetic resources and expanding the species range through sustainable afforestation and responsible forest management. The research results make significant contributions to the scientific basis for policies on the ecological rehabilitation of oak ecosystems in southern Romania and can serve as a model for other European regions in similar ecological contexts.