Divergent response of European beech, silver fir and Norway spruce advance regeneration to increased light levels following natural disturbance

Nitrogen content of all three species was within optimal range values, highest in the open and lowest under canopy conditions on every plot. Rapid exposure to increased light levels affected most directly fir in the category of forest edge and under open canopies. Contrary to fir, beech responded in a favourable way, while no differences in response were evident in spruce. Assimilation efficiency, where both fir and beech were equal shifted towards the shade in both years.