The aim of the study was to compare the differences in growth parameters (height, diameter, site index) of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands in three regions located in different parts of the European pine limit (Wrocław, SW Poland; Kolari and Kevo, N Finland) with reference to soil texture. The detailed research conducted in the Wrocław region (349 plots) was confronted with preliminary results from Finland (18 plots). Despite the fact that the study was based on a relatively low number

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... f plots for the Finnish regions, statistically different mean site index values between all the studied regions were found. The study determined also the magnitude of differences in height and diameter of pines being at the same age, but growing in various climatic regions of European pine limit. The effect of soil texture on site index of pine stands was found only for the Wrocław region; however, it concerned ecosystems with sandy soils. For detail investigation of potential existence of the effect for pine ecosystems of northern Finland this preliminary study should be expanded to more research plots located in this zone. The results of this research suggest that in Central Europe Scots pine does not fully utilize the fertility of soils when grown on fi ne-textured pedons. Thus, such soils should be primarily designed for conversion of pine monocultures into broadleaved stands.