scholarly journals The structure analysis of the Norway spruce stands after schematic thinning in the 1st protected zone of water-supply storage

Beskydy ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-108
Author(s):  
M. Bátor ◽  
L. Danková
Keyword(s):  
Water Supply ◽  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Slenderness Ratio ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Static Stability ◽  
Growing Stock ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Protected Zone

The water-supply storages are important resources of drinking water in some regions of Slovakia, especially in surrounding of Banská Bystrica. Málinec is one of the three storages in this region. In protected zone of this storage are planted Norway spruce (hereinafter „spruce“) stands monocultures because of ensuring required water quality in storage. There are 24 years old spruce stands without admixture of deciduous trees in the upper layer. Understory is formed by blackthorn (PRP 1). On this locality was carried out geometric (schematic) thinning what is not recommended in protected zones because of worse influencing of soil permeability, humus decomposition and open forest edge creating. There was identified one older permanent research plot (PRP) and established one new PRP where was performed own measurements. Into the PRPs there are transekts and remaining area. Acreage of PRP is 0,234 and 0,315 ha. On the whole area were measured tree diameter and assessed tree classes (5 degrees–Polanský 1955). Moreover, on transekts were measured tree and also crown height. Based of measured variables were calculated stand characteristics like slenderness ratio, crown ratio, growing stock and basal area. If it is possible, these were compared with older results. The aim of this work is evaluation of spruce stands structure and their stability after schematic thinning. This kind of silvicultural treatment is absolutely unfit in stands with specific (water-protested) function (Slodičák et al. 2010). These stands are from the perspective of static stability too unfit–basal area and abundance of trees is nearly as in yield tables (Kolektív 1992) but growing stock is much higher and a lot of trees is too slim. The slenderness ratio is from 75 to 90 %. But the crown lenght is quite good with crown ratio 52–64 %. In these ages of stands are crowns reduced too much. Suitable individual thinning has been in these stands neglected (growing stock is higher than normal). There is assumed reduced stand lifetime after schematic thinning. Current stand structure is due to the young age inappropriate.

scholarly journals Thinning Response and Potential Basal Area in a Mixed Sub-humid Low-elevation Oak-Hornbeam Forest

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathias Neumann ◽  
Hubert Hasenauer
Keyword(s):  
Stand Structure ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Diameter Distribution ◽  
Stem Density ◽  
Growing Stock ◽  
A Site ◽  
Water Nutrients ◽  
Related Mortality

Abstract Competition for resources (light, water, nutrients, etc.) limits the size and abundance of alive trees a site can support. This carrying capacity determines the potential carbon sequestration in alive trees as well as the maximum growing stock. Lower stocking through thinning can change growth and mortality. We were interested in the relations between stand structure, increment and mortality using a long-unmanaged oak-hornbeam forest near Vienna, Austria, as case study. We expected lower increment for heavy thinned compared to unmanaged stands. We tested the thinning response using three permanent growth plots, whereas two were thinned (50% and 70% basal area removed) and one remained unmanaged. We calculated stand structure (basal area, stem density, diameter distribution) and increment and mortality of single trees. The heavy thinned stand had over ten years similar increment as the moderate thinned and unthinned stands. Basal area of the unthinned stand remained constant and stem density decreased due to competition-related mortality. The studied oak-hornbeam stands responded well even to late and heavy thinning suggesting a broad “plateau” of stocking and increment for these forest types. Lower stem density for thinned stands lead to much larger tree increment of single trees, compared to the unthinned reference. The findings of this study need verification for other soil and climatic conditions.

scholarly journals Tree mortality in the dynamics and management of uneven-aged Norway spruce stands in southern Finland

2020 ◽  
Vol 139 (6) ◽  
pp. 989-998
Author(s):  
Sauli Valkonen ◽  
Lucie Aulus Giacosa ◽  
Juha Heikkinen
Keyword(s):  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Repeated Measurements ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
Single Tree Selection ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Causes Of Mortality ◽  
Number Of Stems ◽  
Adverse Influence

Abstract This study focused on tree mortality in spruce-dominated stands managed using the single-tree selection method in southern Finland. Together with regeneration and tree growth, mortality is one of the basic elements of the stand structure and dynamics in selection stands. The study was based on data acquired from a set of 20 permanent experimental plots monitored with repeated measurements for 20 years. The average mortality in the number of stems (N) was 4.45 trees ha−1a−1, in basal area (G) 0.07 m2 ha−1a−1, and in stemwood volume (V) 0.56 m3 ha−1a−1. In relative terms it was 0.50% of N, 0.30% of G and 0.27% of V, respectively. Wind and snow were the most common causes of mortality, while deaths by biotic causes (mammals, insects, pathogens) were extremely rare. Some 6–10% of the total loss in the number of stems and volume was attributable to the loss or removal of trees that sustained serious damage in harvesting. Most of the mortality occurred in the smallest diameter classes of up to 20 cm. Such a high mortality among small trees can have an adverse influence on the sustainability of selection structures if not successfully checked in harvesting and management.

scholarly journals Sind Naturwaldreservate naturnäher als der Schweizer Wald?

2012 ◽  
Vol 163 (6) ◽  
pp. 210-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Heiri ◽  
Urs-Beat Brändli ◽  
Harald Bugmann ◽  
Peter Brang
Keyword(s):  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Structural Data ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
National Forest Inventory ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Silver Fir ◽  
Forest Reserves ◽  
Growing Stock ◽  
Long Run

Do strict forest reserves feature more naturalness than the Swiss forest? In natural forest reserves (NFR), forests develop in the absence of direct human interference, primarily management. This increases their naturalness and should – in the long run – allow forests to regain primeval attributes. Based on stand structural data from the third National Forest Inventory (NFI) and 25 NFR in Switzerland, we investigate 1) whether NFR feature more naturalness than managed forests, 2) whether the naturalness of Swiss forests increases with the time elapsed since the cessation of management, and 3) to what extent NFR differ from Swiss forests that have not been managed during several decades. Thereby, we focus on the four main forest types beech, silver fir-beech, silver fir-Norway spruce and Norway spruce forests, and furthermore group the data according to the time since the last intervention (0–20, 21–50 and > 50 years.). The structural features investigated differ only slightly between NFR and managed forest (0–20 years). NFR feature a higher abundance of “giant” trees (dbh ≥ 80 cm), higher stem numbers and greater basal area, and thus a higher growing stock. The abundance of snags, however, is indistinguishable between the two types of forests. Naturalness in Swiss forests increases only slightly with time since the last intervention, indicated by a higher abundance of small snags and a slightly higher number of giant trees. By contrast, clear differences can be seen between NFR in which no intervention has taken place for at least 50 years, and other forests abandoned for a similarly long time, with NFR showing lower stem numbers, greater basal area and higher numbers of giant trees. Many of the investigated reserves are still affected by former management and are – from the point of view of primeval forest dynamics – still quite “young”. According to their naturalness, the NFR range between managed and primeval forests, although to date they are still closer to the former. Nevertheless, the differences found in our study indicate a steady development of the NFR towards stand structures that are characteristic of primeval forests.

scholarly journals Thinning experiments in Norway spruce stands after 40 years of investigation – 1st series

2012 ◽  
Vol 49 (No. 2) ◽  
pp. 45-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Slodičák ◽  
J. Novák
Keyword(s):  
Positive Selection ◽  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Negative Selection ◽  
Static Stability ◽  
Control Plot ◽  
Experimental Series ◽  
Management Research ◽  
Game Management ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Experimental Base

Forestry and Game Management Research Institute at Jíloviště-Strnady has created a new experimental base for thinning research since 1956. A total of 46 experimental series were founded in Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.); 24 series are still maintained. This paper focuses on the series established in young Norway spruce stands in 1958 (Rumburk, Mostek, Vim­perk I, Vimperk II and Nisa). The goal of thinning experiment was to compare two basic methods of thinning: positive selection from above (2a) and negative selection from below (3b or 5b). Each experimental series has a control plot (1c) where no thinning was conducted. The effect of thinning by positive selection from above carried out in the 40-year period of investigations was a 10–45% decrease in the abundance of trees in lower diameter classes compared with control plots. Negative selection from below resulted in a more pronounced decrease in thin trees abundance (50–69% compared with control plots). The abundance of thick trees (diameter of 30 cm and more) increased by 5–50% on all comparative plots with thinning. Static stability characterised by the h/d ratio of mean stem and h/d ratio of dominant trees (200 thickest trees per hectare) was influenced by thinning mostly positively (final value of h/d ratio found by the last revision was considerably lower).

scholarly journals Carbon Pools in a Hemiboreal Over-Mature Norway Spruce Stands

Forests ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Ķēniņa ◽  
Didzis Elferts ◽  
Endijs Bāders ◽  
Āris Jansons
Keyword(s):  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Boreal Forests ◽  
Carbon Stock ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Carbon Pool ◽  
Total Carbon ◽  
Forest Site ◽  
Tree Biomass ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Site Types

Old unmanaged forests are commonly assumed to be carbon neutral; however, there is still a lack of reference studies available to increase the recognition of carbon stock changes in these forests. Studies of old forest carbon storage from hemiboreal regions are very rare compared to temperate and boreal forests in Europe; therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify the carbon stock in hemiboreal over-mature (167–213 years) Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) stands. To explore the total ecosystem carbon pool, the carbon stock of tree biomass, deadwood, and soil in unmanaged (for at least the last 40 years) spruce stands was calculated and compared between different forest site types on dry, wet, and drained mineral soils. Total carbon stock of hemiboreal over-mature spruce stands ranged from 164.8 Mg C ha−1 to 386.7 Mg C ha−1, and 238.5 Mg C ha−1 on average, with no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the forest site types. The carbon stock of tree biomass was significantly affected by the basal area of the upper tree layer (p < 0.0001) and the interaction between the forest site type and proportion of spruce in the stand composition (p = 0.002). Tree biomass was the dominant carbon pool, followed by soil and deadwood in over-mature spruce stands.

Wood density in Norway spruce: changes with thinning intensity and tree age

2005 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 1767-1778 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuula Jaakkola ◽  
Harri Mäkinen ◽  
Pekka Saranpää
Keyword(s):  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Wood Density ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Thinning Intensity ◽  
Individual Tree Growth ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Individual Trees

The effect of thinning intensity on growth and wood density in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) was investigated in two long-term thinning experiments in southeastern Finland. The stands were approaching maturity, and their development had already been studied for 30 years. The intensities of thinning were low, normal, and high (i.e., the stand basal area after the thinning was, on average, 40, 27, and 24 m2·ha–1, respectively, in Heinola, and 30, 28, and 17 m2·ha–1 in Punkaharju, respectively). Compared with the low thinning intensity, the normal and high thinning intensities increased the basal-area increment of individual trees by 52% and 68%, respectively. Normal and high thinning intensities resulted in a relatively small reduction (1%–4%) of mean ring density compared with low thinning intensity. The random variation in wood density between and within trees was large. About 27% of the total variation in wood density was related to variation between rings. Our results indicate that the prevailing thinning intensities in Norway spruce stands in Fennoscandia cause no marked changes in wood density. At least, the possible reduction in wood density is low compared with the increase in individual tree growth.

Volume Equations and Stand Volumes for Unthinned Norway Spruce Plantations in New York

1986 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric J. Jokela ◽  
Russell D. Briggs ◽  
Edwin H. White
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Stem Volume ◽  
Soil Drainage ◽  
Quadratic Mean ◽  
Central New York ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Allegheny Plateau ◽  
Using Data

Abstract Total and merchantable stem volume prediction equations (English and metric) were developed using data from 228 trees sampled in 38 unthinned Norway spruce stands varying in age from 45 to 55 years on the Allegheny Plateau in central New York. The equations were used to estimate stand volumes for the 38 sample plantations. The results demonstrate the potential of Norway spruce as a fiber source, having growth rates equal to or exceeding those of native northern conifer species. Average total height of dominant and codominant stems, basal area, quadratic mean diameters, and total and merchantable standing volume for the sample stands ranged from 58-93 ft, 150-239 ft2/ac, 6.5-10.6 in, 5431-8833 ft3/ac, and 4431-8218 ft3;/ac, respectively. The most productive stands were generally found on well-drained to moderately well-drained soils, although Norway spruce grew well over a broad range of soil drainage conditions. North. J. Appl. For. 3:7-10, Mar. 1986.

Overstory density, short growing seasons, and moisture limit Engelmann spruce establishment over time in high-elevation managed stands

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Hill ◽  
Seth Ex ◽  
Cameron Aldridge ◽  
Curtis Prolic
Keyword(s):  
Stand Structure ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Life Stages ◽  
Growing Season Length ◽  
Engelmann Spruce ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Frost Free Period ◽  
Over Time

For tree species with narrow ranges of climate suitability for regeneration such as Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm.), understanding biophysical influences on juvenile establishment over time is crucial for supporting silvicultural practices responsive to climate change. We developed count-based models to identify abiotic and biotic variables explaining annual spruce establishment over 20–30 years following silvicultural regeneration treatments across 24 spruce stands in Colorado. Covariates retained in our final model encompassed information on climate, physiography, stand structure, and time. Establishment was positively related to germination- and second-year frost-free period beginning dates, indicating that moisture limitations at early life stages may be alleviated by longer retention of snowpack. Yet, recruits were positively influenced by both lengthier frost-free periods and lower heat–moisture indices, suggesting a tension between growing-season length and moisture limitations for physiological maturation, lasting 5 years after germination. Establishment was also limited by higher elevations and lower solar radiation, further suggesting cold limitations in these stands. Moreover, overstory basal area negatively influenced recruitment, suggesting an inhibitive effect on light and precipitation availability for seedlings. Our findings extend similar conclusions from harsher treeline environments to high-elevation managed stands but illustrate stronger relative effects of overstory density and cold-related limitations and suggest transitions in climate effects with life stages.

scholarly journals Kuivenduse mõju rabamänniku arengule Järvselja Õppe- ja Katsemetskonna kuivendatud puistu näitel / Effect of drainage on the development of an oligotrophic bog Scots pine (P. sylvestris L.) stand in Järvselja

2013 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-25
Author(s):  
Silver Sisask
Keyword(s):  
Scots Pine ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Measurement Data ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Site Class ◽  
Growing Stock ◽  
Actual Change ◽  
Forest Drainage ◽  
Stand Characteristics

Abstract The effect of drainage in peatland forests has been studied in Estonia but research on bog pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands is lacking and mixed opinions on the expediency of amelioration in this site type are found. In order to obtain more information on the post drainage effects, measurements were conducted in a drained oligotrophic bog Scots pine stand (with a relatively thin peat layer) in Järvselja. Relationship between stand characteristics and distance from the drainage ditch was described and measurement data was compared with data that had been collected 59 years earlier in the same stand. Over time the stand structure and productivity had changed. Due to lengthy drainage, increase in several stand characteristics became evident: mean height 84% (8.60 ± 0.39 m), mean DBH 48% (6.55 ± 0.59 cm), basal area 59% (10.6 ± 3.4 m2 ha-1) and growing stock 179% (169 ± 32 m3 ha-1). Growth conditions had improved (site class improvement 1.8 units) and since earlier comparison data was from an already drained stand, actual change in stand characteristics and productivity compared to pre-drained state, has to be even greater. The studied stand is a good example of successful forest drainage in a bog pine forest and these results contribute to a better understanding of post drainage developments in these types of forests

scholarly journals Importance of the first thinning in young mixed Norway spruce and European beech stands

2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (No. 6) ◽  
pp. 254-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Novák Jiří ◽  
Dušek David ◽  
Slodičák Marian ◽  
Kacálek Dušan
Keyword(s):  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
European Beech ◽  
Static Stability ◽  
Diameter Distribution ◽  
Mixed Stands ◽  
Lower Altitude ◽  
Commercial Thinning ◽  
Dead Trees ◽  
Study Sites

Experimental results from the first thinning in mixed stands are not broadly experienced by forestry practice. To extend the experience with the thinning of a mixed stand, we studied thinned and unthinned mixtures of Norway spruce with European beech on two study sites in the Czech Republic, which represented different conditions: Všeteč (age of 19–35 years) – originally beech dominated site at 440 m a.s.l. and Deštné (age of 17–33 years) – originally spruce with beech site at 990 m a.s.l. Spruce and beech were mixed individually or in small groups. As the for number of trees, mixtures were 35–54% beech and 46–65% spruce at a lower altitude and 7–30% beech and 70–93% spruce at a higher altitude. In the period 1997–2013, we observed annually: mortality, diameter at breast height of all trees and height of trees (minimum 30 individuals) that represented diameter distribution. Results showed that the growth and development of young mixed spruce/beech stands were positively influenced by the first pre-commercial thinning on both locations. The most pronounced effect of thinning consisted in a decreased amount of basal area of dead trees. On control plots, salvage cut accounted for 34 and 46%, while on thinned plots it reached only 7–8% (thinned from above) and 18% (thinned from below) of basal area periodic increment during the 16-year study period. In contrast, diameter distribution was still relatively wide (i.e. an important amount of thin trees was left) at the end of observations on all plots of both study sites. Thinned stands also showed the better static stability (expressed as an h/d ratio) of dominant spruces compared to unthinned stands on both locations. Additionally, thinning supported the spruce share at a lower altitude and the  beech share at a higher altitude.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document