Spruce forest stands in a stationary state

Abstract

We present stationarity criteria for forest stands, and establish embodiments using a Norwegian empirical stand development model. The natural stationary states only slightly differ from the outcome of long-term simulations previously implemented using the same empirical model. Human interference in terms of diameter-limit cutting is introduced. Consequently, stationary states differing from the natural one appear. Standing volume, growth and monetary value appear low but the financial return rate may be significant. Volume yield and financial return clearly contradict each other, the former arising from harvesting large trees, the latter from frequent removal of small trees. An exponential tree size distribution does not appear to comply with the stationarity criterion.

Keywords

Growth / Plenterwald (selection cutting) / Recruitment / Stand development / Yield

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