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Conference abstract2015Open access

Seedling and tree growth after Chequered-Gap-Shelterwood-Cutting and in conventional clear-cutting system

Erefur, Charlotta; Axelsson, Petter; Nordin, Annika; Bergsten, Urban; Ulvcrona, Kristina

Abstract

To achieve sustainability both ecological and production aspects need to be considered in forest management. Chequered gap shelter wood system (CGSS), consist of small clear-felled gaps with alternating areas of trees, giving the forest a chessboard appearance which potentially could combine the advantages from both the clear-cut system and continuous cover forestry. This approach will introduce more edges which might influence the effect of wind, temperature and solar radiation on seedlings and trees. In this study we evaluate 1) the influence of the forest edge and 2) the north- and south facing part in the gaps on the growth of seedlings and trees (Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies) in gaps and shelter forests, respectively, and compare the growth with that in a conventional clearcutting system. Overall, edges effected seedling growth negatively and tree growth positively. Seedlings also grew better at the northern sun exposed parts compared to the southern shaded parts of the gaps. As a consequence of these edge effects seedlings had a lower, and shelter trees a higher, growth in the CGS-system compared to the reference areas. Seedlings in the central part of the gaps grew better than seedlings in the reference area. Norwegian spruce seems to be the most suited tree species for this silvicultural approach. Given the contrasting effect of edges on seedlings and trees the production over the whole rotation need to be evaluated in future studies.

Keywords

Scots pine, Norway spruce, light, plant growth

Published in

Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE)
2015, Volume: 29, pages: 69
Title: Abstracts of the 17th IBFRA conference May 24-29 2015 Rovaniemi Finland
ISBN: 978-952-326-032-0
Publisher: LUKE Natural Resources Institute Finland

Conference

The 17th IBFRA conference: Towards a new era of forest science in the boreal region