Effects of thinning in unmanaged broadleaved stands

INA

Broadleaved trees make out about ¼ of the standing volume in the Norwegian forests and represent a considerable resource. However, unsufficient tending gives lower wood quality and reduces the possibilities of future utilization.

Betula pendula, Brummundal Foto: Arne Sandnes

Lacking knowledge of broadleaved wood as a resource has given little understanding of the economic potential in the broadleaved forestry.

Changes in the agricultural policy and economical framework the last 20-30 years have gradually lead to more extensive agricultural practice. Enhanced use of natural regeneration and less use of pre-commersial harvesting has resulted in more broadleaves in today’s forests. Significant areas of abandoned pasture and grazing fields are occupied by various pioner broadleaved species, which ultimately changes the landscape.

This project will focus on unmanaged broadleaved stands in South Norway. We want to study possible effects of thinnings in such stands with emphasis on production and wood quality.

Goals and objectives
Main goal:
·Describe and analyse the state and effects after thinning in former unmanaged broadleaved stands

Objectives:
·Record data of volume, increment and quality
·Study responses to thinning in various broadleaved species
·Study soil and vegetation ecological factors in broadleaved stands
·Relations between soil and vegetation ecological factors and broadleaved tree production

Project coordinator
Associate professor Lars Helge Frivold, INA

Project group and collaboration
Prof. emeritus Oddvar Haveraaen, INA
Dr. scient. Arne Sandnes, INA
Associate professor Klement Rejsek, Mendel University of Forestry and Agriculture, Czech Republic
Assosicate professor Vitas Marozas, Lithuanian University of Agriculture, Lithuania

Financial support
Norwegian Research Council 1997-1999
Development Fund for Forestry
County agricultural departments


Updated: 01.04.05
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