Density and growth performance of Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) understory saplings in logged forests of Tujiin Nars National Park in the Western Khentii Mountains, Case study from Northern Mongolia

The paper presents the analysis of seven naturally regenerated stands in native Scots pine forests located in the Western Khentii of Northern Mongolia. The findings show natural regeneration of Scots pine in logged areas directly after felling with different intensities. The natural regeneration in the study areas were characterized by continuous age distribution, high understory density and growth variation among stands. Mean density of regenerated saplings in logged pine forests were varied among stands, while densities were lower in heavily logged areas (3700 individuals ha-1) and higher in the forests logged with low intensity (21306 ind. ha-1). The results indicate that the intensity of logging, abundance of parent trees and their sheltering effects are important determinants of differentiation for success of natural regeneration and growth performance of regenerated trees. Sapling growth rate was greater under light shelter and lower under dense cover. Furthermore, a regression model for understory sapling growth in the region was developed. The regeneration density clearly indicates the high potential for reproduction of Scots pine within 15 years, as saplings in the logged areas attained a mean height of 249.7 ± 67.3 cm by the age of 10.45 ± 1.32.