Waldgesellschaften und thermophile Säume auf Gips und Stinkschiefer im westlichen Harzfelder Holz (Landkreis Nordhausen, Thüringen) -Eine Untersuchung unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Schutzwürdigkeit des Harzfelder Holzes -

Abstract

Wood and ecotone communities are investigated in the western part of the Harzfelder Holz (rural district Nordhausen,Thüringen). Main vegetation types are beech-forests: stands ofthe Carici-Fagetum are found on bituminouslimestone- and gypsum-rendzinas on upper slopes and on plateaus. Beech-forests of acidic soils (Luzulo-Fagetum)are occuring on strong weathered gypsum on steep middle slopes. Stands of the Hordelymo-Fagetum are growingon the more productive soils on upper slopes. In moist and cool sink-holes and narrow valleys maple-tree-ashforestsare found (Fraxino-Aceretum). At sun-exposed edges of the forests thermophilaus plant communities( Geranion sanguinei) are developed.A short valuation of the study area is verifying its very high value for the conservation of nature. The area is indanger because of the digging interests of the gypsum industrie. It is recommended to set the area quickly as anature protected area.