XVI International Botanical Congess

The results of stand structure research in natural lichen-feathermoss pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests of Russian Karelia have been interpreted at the two levels of community hierarchy, namely that of tree individuals and that of a whole stand. To study mechanisms of forest community integration, the concept of phytocoenotic intensity was introduced. The latter reflects the transformation of ecological conditions by surrounding plants at a given point of space and time and can be estimated via canopy parameters for any point of the forest community. Generally, phytocoenotic intensity is a result of the interference between several current influences of plant individuals. The current state of a tree, aside from the particularities of its individual growth is in so much defined by phytocoenotic intensity caused by the surrounding canopy. The influence of the latter upon a given tree was generally proved to be of an additive nature. The intracanopy balance of mortality and volume increment is reflected by the total crown volume value. Changes in pattern of phytocoenotic intensity, taking place while the stand matures, influence the canopy formation.