Wood density of Norway spruce in uneven-aged stands

Piispanen, Riikka; Heinonen, Jaakko; Valkonen, Sauli; Mäkinen, Harri; Lundqvist, Sven‐Olof; Saranpää, Pekka

doi:10.1139/cjfr-2013-0201

Cited by 21 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…For instance for spruce an increase in tree-ring width was found to decrease wood density (Mäkinen et al 2007;Piispanen et al 2014;Franceschini et al 2010), while for oak Guilley et al (2004) found that an increase in tree-ring width results in an increase in wood density.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Variability of European beech wood density as influenced by interactions between tree-ring growth and aspect

2016

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Background: Wood density is considered to be the most important predictor of wood quality but despite its importance, diffuse-porous tree species have been the subject of only a limited number of studies. The importance of European beech forests for Central Europe calls for profound research to examine the potential impact of a warmer climate on the quality of beech timber. Methods:In this study we analysed the influence of tree-ring width and tree-ring age on the wood density of beech, and whether the wood density response to these two parameters is modified by aspect. A linear mixed-effects model for wood density was constructed for mean density data measured with high frequency densitometry on stem discs from 72 beech trees sampled from two different aspects (northeast -NE and southwest -SW) of a valley in southwestern Germany.Results: Part of the variability of mean annual wood density was explained by cambial age: an increase in cambial age resulted in an increase in mean wood density. Tree-ring width and aspect had only a small influence on wood density. Wood density on the SW aspect was lower than on the NE with a difference of approximately 0.006 g/cm 3 . The between-tree variability was very high.Conclusions: The significant interaction between cambial age and aspect reflects the importance of site conditions at older tree ages: with increasing cambial age the difference between aspects becomes stronger. Our results give a better understanding of the importance of site conditions on the wood quality of beech.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Variability of European beech wood density as influenced by interactions between tree-ring growth and aspect

2016

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“…Concerns also exist about lower log quality for trees that grow in highly variable conditions throughout their lives. This variability can exhibit itself in somewhat adverse branching patterns, including large branch sizes and higher variation in juvenile wood, wood density, and growth rings (Schütz 1999b;Macdonald et al 2010;Piispanen et al 2014).…”

Section: Economic Challengesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Silvicultural alternatives to conventional even-aged forest management - what limits global adoption?

et al. 2015

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Background: The development of forestry as a scientific and management discipline over the last two centuries has mainly emphasized intensive management operations focused on increased commodity production, mostly wood. This "conventional" forest management approach has typically favored production of even-aged, single-species stands. While alternative management regimes have generally received less attention, this has been changing over the last three decades, especially in countries with developed economies. Reasons for this change include a combination of new information and concerns about the ecological consequences of intensive forestry practices and a willingness on the part of many forest owners and society to embrace a wider set of management objectives. Alternative silvicultural approaches are characterized by a set of fundamental principles, including avoidance of clearcutting, an emphasis on structural diversity and small-scale variability, deployment of mixed species with natural regeneration, and avoidance of intensive site-preparation methods. Methods: Our compilation of the authors' experiences and perspectives from various parts of the world aims to initiate a larger discussion concerning the constraints to and the potential of adopting alternative silvicultural practices. Results: The results suggest that a wider adoption of alternative silvicultural practices is currently hindered by a suite of ecological, economic, logistical, informational, cultural, and historical constraints. Individual contexts display their own unique combinations and relative significance of these constraints, and accordingly, targeted efforts, such as regulations and incentives, may help to overcome specific challenges. Conclusions: In a broader context, we propose that less emphases on strict applications of principles and on stand structures might provide additional flexibility and facilitate the adoption of alternative silvicultural regimes in a broader set of circumstances. At the same time, the acceptance of alternative silvicultural systems as the "preferred or default mode of management" will necessitate and benefit from the continued development of the scientific basis and valuation of a variety of ecosystem goods and services. This publication is aimed to further the discussion in this context.

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“…While these conclusions were derived from natural regeneration after clear felling, they are potentially applicable to natural regeneration in gaps or under a canopy. Indeed, Piisapanen et al [78] reported that a reduced juvenile core with higher wood density was characteristic of natural regeneration of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) in both even-aged and uneven-aged stands.…”

Section: Timber Qualitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Implementing Continuous Cover Forestry in Planted Forests: Experience with Sitka Spruce (Picea Sitchensis) in the British Isles

Mason

2015

Forests

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Planted forests of Sitka spruce, a non-native species from north-west America, are the major forest type in Great Britain and Ireland. Standard management involves even-aged stands, rotations of 40-50 years and a patch clear-felling system with artificial regeneration. However, forest policies support managing these forests for multifunctional objectives with increased diversity of species composition and stand structure. Continuous cover forestry (CCF) is an alternative silvicultural approach used to provide such diversity, but the amount of CCF forest is under 10% of the forest area, and less in Sitka spruce forests; This paper reviews research carried out in the last two decades to support the implementation of CCF in Sitka spruce planted forests; Stand structures and microclimate favouring natural regeneration are understood. Harvesting systems have been adapted for use in CCF stands, a single-tree growth model has been calibrated, comparative costs and revenues have been determined, and operational trials established. The interaction between thinning and wind stability in irregular stands is problematic, together with the lack of suitable species for growing in mixture with Sitka spruce; Introduction of an alternative silvicultural approach may take decades and must overcome technical challenges and cultural resistance.

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Wood density of Norway spruce in uneven-aged stands

Cited by 21 publications

References 17 publications

Variability of European beech wood density as influenced by interactions between tree-ring growth and aspect

Variability of European beech wood density as influenced by interactions between tree-ring growth and aspect

Silvicultural alternatives to conventional even-aged forest management - what limits global adoption?

Implementing Continuous Cover Forestry in Planted Forests: Experience with Sitka Spruce (Picea Sitchensis) in the British Isles

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