Régénération naturelle en Forêt de Soignes

Context

The problematics of the regeneration in the Soignes Forest, especially by natural seeding but with the necessary forestry assistance as for the beech tree, must be analysed and solved if possible if we want to ensure the continuity of the many functions (ecological, social, economic) met by the most important forest (4.383 ha) located nearby the European Capital, constituting a precious local patrimony and having an international renown. Indeed, we assist to a more and more strongly marked ageing of the forest.

Objectives

 To determine the technical, ecological and economic feasibility of the natural regeneration in the Soignes Forest ;
 to identify the appropriate silvicultural techniques that forest administrators can bring into play according to the forest policies enforced in each region ;
 to ensure the dissemination of these results and of their consequences among the professionals concerned and the general public.

Description of tasks

 Thorough analysis of the natural regeneration process ;
 complete treatment of the observation data ;
 soil preparation and clearing ;
 exploitation of the parent planting ;
 economic analysis
 visit of plantings for which the assisted natural regeneration is practiced ;
 inventory of the conditions of natural regeneration of the sycamore maple in the Soignes Forest ;
 dissemination of the results.

Results obtained

 Drawing up of technical itineraries adapted to the natural regeneration of the beech tree in the Soignes Forest ;
 writing of a good practice guide ;
 organization of trips in the Soignes Forest and abroad with forest professionals ;
 setting up of a device showing the techniques of soil preparation, seeding, clearing and forest exploitation ;
 contribution to the working out of the web site ;
 building of a device for soil tillage and seed clearing ;
 validation of penetrometric techniques in the forest ;
 penetrometric measurements were carried out on characteristic plots, in order to define the soil compaction state, measurements which show an important variability of the structure ;
 different soil working methods were compared (mill, disc plough with or without roller) ;
 soil compaction measurements were carried out when cutting down and unloading, on the different elements being in contact with the soil (tree, tyres).

Partners

Belgian General Society, King Baudoin Foundation, Instituut voor Bosbouw en Wildbeheer (IBW), AMINAL, Afdeling Bos en Groen, Houtvesterij Groenendaal, IBGE, DNF – Directorate and Administrative Unit of Mons.

CRAW off coordinator

Ir. Stéphane LOYEN
Département Génie rural – CRA-W
Chaussée de Namur, 146
B-5030 Gembloux
Tél : +32 81 627 147
Fax : +32 81 615 847
Email : loyen@cra.wallonie.be