Abstract
Dispersal and Management of Heaven and Black Locust in Coppiced Forests - Results of a case study in Southern Tyrol Throughout Europe, both anthropogenic and near-natural habitats are invaded by black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle). However, their invasion into forests has been rarely studied, particularly the influence of coppice management, which is characterised through regular cut-backs. To retrace the invasion the study investigated the abundance in the canopy as well as the natural regeneration of these species in a coppice in South Tyrol which showed ideal conditions due to its patchy mosaic of different ages (time since last coppicing). Tree regeneration of the invasive and native species was compared among these forest age classes and correlated to environmental parameters. Apparently, R. pseudoacacia has established earlier than A. altissima but A. altissima has spread with higher speed during the last 30 years. Synchronously to the coppice cycle both species colonise fresh clearings where they establish and remain. Since current coppice management favors the spread of both invasive species an adaptation of the management system is necessary to avoid further invasion.