Growth and Yield of Hybrid Larch (Larix×eurolepis A. Henry) in Southern Sweden

Abstract

The interest in growing hybrid larch (Larix×eurolepis A. Henry) in Sweden has increased during the past few decades. This is mainly due to expectations concerning rapid growth, resistance to butt rot and durability of the wood. A yield study in hybrid larch was conducted based on 28 plots in southern Sweden. The plots were established on fertile sites in stands managed in practical forestry. A growth model was developed, including regression functions for basal area increment, stand form-height development and initial basal area. Top height growth curves from a Norwegian study were also included in the model. A yield table was calculated for the age span 15–45 yrs. The calculations showed that the yield of hybrid larch in southern Sweden compared with Norway spruce was slightly higher and especially more rapid when young. On fertile sites the mean annual volume growth peaked at an age of 35 yrs, at a level of 13 m³ ha⁻¹.

Keywords:

• Growth model
• growth simulator
• yield study

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry (KSLA) for financing this study. We would also like to thank the forest managers and forest owners who provided information and access to stands for the data collection. Thanks are also due to Ulf Johansson at Tönnersjöheden Experimental Forest, who provided data from permanent plots.