Forests have an important role in forest ecosystems and especially in conserving biodiversity. The present study intends to analyse and characterise old stands located in the Curvature Sub-Carpathians. Old stands have an essential role in conserving biodiversity, have a complex structure and store significant carbon quantities. The studied stands are located in a fragmented mountain relief, being present in basin and valleys, at altitudes between 500-600 m. Common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is one of the most common species found in European broadleaved forests with different vegetation conditions. The analysis of old stands is achieved based on the following main elements: species, surface, origin, age, average diameter, average height, volume, altitude, production class, flora, soil type, station type, exposition, production/protection subunits, structure and slope. Data pertaining to these elements was extracted from forest management plans realized during 1999-2007 in 10 forest districts present in the studied area. These forest districts occupy a surface of 141.191,3 ha, having over 371 management units older than 160 years. The main species present in the old stands from the Curvature Sub-Carpathians are: Fagus sylvatica L. (Common beech), Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. (sessile oak) and Quercus robur L. (Pedunculate oak). These species vegetate on litic luvosoil and common eutricambosol, and have an average diameter of 54-78 cm. The majority of old stands are situated within regular forests with common ranges: wood for lumber, constructions or cellulose .

old grow forest, soil, forest type, age, composition

biology

Presentation: poster