AN ECOPHYSIOLOGICAL STUDY IN THE FIELD LAYER OF ASH COPPICE I FIELD MEASUREMENTS

SUMMARY Growth and CO2-exchange were measured on two species in the field layer of ash coppice. Two independent methods for the measurements of photosynthesis were used: the 14CO2-method and the URAS-method. Before coppicing the woodland plant Geum urbanum showed its adaptation to the deciduous woodland environment: a high rate of growth and photosynthesis in the spring light phase, and an adaptation to the shade conditions in summer. The first year after coppicing, Geum showed stunted growth and partly disappeared. Cirsium palustre, on the other hand, germinated after coppicing and demonstrated a high assimilation rate and rapid vegetative growth, which led to abundant blooming in the second year of the coppice cycle.