Structural characteristics of mixed beech stands in the area of Majdanpek in Eastern Serbia

This paper analyzes structural characteristics of mixed stands of beech in the territory of Eastern Serbia. The research was carried out on three experimental fields by applying classic stand inventory parameters and structural indices (Gini coefficient, Stand Density Index, Hart-Becking Index), with additional analysis of spatial structure of trees. A special contribution of the paper is the application of an innovative approach in the analysis of the spatial distribution of trees. Due to limited applicability of Hart-Becking Index in heterogeneous stands, Delaunay triangulation, which enables defining real neighboring trees was applied in the paper and thereby the stated limitation was overcome. The established differences in structural characteristics between the researched stands can be related to combined effect of habitat conditions and silvicultural treatments carried out in the past. Also, the obtained results indicate the importance of application of comprehensive and combined approach in defining the structural build of the stand, which can serve as a reliable tool in the process of defining silvicultural measures aimed at achieving the target stand structure.