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ABSTRACT
Effects of browsing damage on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) production and economic value were simulated on sites ranging in fertility from relatively poor to relatively high. Effects of browsing damage on growth and survival after trees had exceeded browsing-height were estimated using data from a browsing study. Stem lists were produced when stems had reached a height of about 4 m. Individual tree data were then imported into the Heureka simulation system to generate predictions about stand production and economic value. Six browsing levels were simulated: 0, 2, 5, 10, 15 and 27% browsing damage annually. The 2% and 5% browsing levels had only minor effects on production, whilst higher browsing levels significantly reduced production. However, the effect on economic value was more pronounced and even the 2% browsing level had significant effects on estimated land expectation values. Results from this simulation may support discussions about acceptable browsing levels in young Scots pine stands.