Timber quality and volume increment of advance growth and planted Pinus sylvestris

Abstract

Timber quality and increment of Scots pines were analysed in two adjacent stands in northern Sweden. One stand originated from advance growth, and one from planted seedlings. Height increment of advance growth that was higher than 1.3 m when released was slow compared with advance growth lower than 1.3 m and planted trees. Timber quality of advance growth, > 1.3 m at release, was poor due to high incidence of stem damage, most likely inflicted during the logging operation. Potential timber quality of planted Scots pines was better among dominated than dominating trees. Volume production was more than twice as high in the plantation as in the stand originating from advance growth. Slash burning after clear felling had a positive effect on production in the plantation.

Key words:

• annual ring width
• branch diameter
• competition
• logging damage
• Pinus sylvestris
• suppression