Results of the research of Douglas-fir in the Czech Republic and Slovakia: a review

Abstract The paper summarises the results concerning the effects of cultivation of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii /Mirb./ Franco), especially in the last decades, on the intensity of production as well as non-production forest functions in the conditions of the Czech Republic and Slovak Republics. It analyses the research outcomes from the point of volume and value production in comparison with other native tree species, from the point of species effects on the soil and on the ground vegetation diversity, and from the point of stability and cultivation in the last period. The main aim was to compare this species with Norway spruce, which can be replaced by Douglas fir in suitable conditions. Douglas fir can have a favourable impact on the amount and the value of timber production, as well as on the soil and the biodiversity of ground vegetation. The stability of forest stands can also be considerably supported in this way. Hence, Douglas-fir represents a suitablealternative to Norway spruce at lower and middle altitudes and it can contribute to greater competitiveness of the Czech as well as Slovak forestry.