European silver fir – an alternative for the dying Norway spruce in Białowieża Forest?

A comprehensive study on the condition of mature European silver fir (Abies alba) trees and their progeny in Białowieża Forest reveals that these trees exhibit high forestry-taxation indicators, resistance to abiotic factors, and competitiveness, aligning well with local environmental conditions. However, the study also indicates a malfunction in the natural generational change mechanism, as evidenced by disproportionately small numbers of adult natural regeneration from old firs. This research suggests that silver fir could serve as an alternative to the declining Norway spruce (Picea abies) in response to climate change challenges, offering insights into potential forest management strategies for the future.

Marozau, A., Mielcarek, M., Krok, G., Paluch, R., & Chiliński, K. (2021). European silver fir – an alternative for the dying Norway spruce in Białowieża Forest? Folia Forestalia Polonica, 63(2), 150–166. https://doi.org/10.2478/ffp-2021-0016