Browsing regime and growth response of naturally regenerated Abies alba saplings along light gradients

Thus, browsing impacts on fir saplings are likely to be mediated primarily by the higher consumption rate of ungulates and the slower tree response after browsing, resulting in lower growth performance compared to other species. While light may promote resistance to browsing via enhanced height increment, A. alba regeneration has a competitive advantage under somewhat shaded but otherwise good site conditions (e.g., in mixed fir forests where the soil is neither dry nor very acidic).