Development and seedling establishment within aJuniperus communisstand on Öland, Sweden

Development and regeneration in an expanding Juniperus communis stand was recorded in two permanent plots (each 50 × 50 m) during 1970/71–1986. One plot was cleared, showing an uneven age distribution: 14–116 years (seedlings not included). In the uncleared control plot the juniper stand increased its cover from 100 to 18.3% (1971–1986). Young shrubs increased more in height and diameter than older ones. Seedling establishment was recorded in the two plots from 1971 and in a cattle-grazed plot from 1983. The latter had the highest number of seedlings (814) but also the highest mortality (24%) due to drought. Aggregations of seedlings were found in areas between old shrubs. Correlation between stem diameter and age was calculated (r = 0.84).