Continuous cover forest management decreases nutrient loads from drained peatland and mineral soil forests: a model-based analysis

Abstract

This study analyzed the effects of even-aged forest management (BAU) and continuous cover forestry (CCF) on waterborne phosphorus and nitrogen loads from peatland and mineral soil forests. The impact of minimizing nutrient loads instead of maximizing economic profit was examined in both silvicultural systems, using models for tree growth, survival, and regeneration, as well as for the effect of different forest treatments on nutrient loads. The data for the calculations were a random sample of forest stands, representing two municipalities in North Karelia, eastern Finland. The results showed that the loads of nitrogen and phosphorus from managed commercial forests can be reduced by increasing the use of continuous cover forestry. Significant reductions were possible in both peatland forests and mineral soils. Nutrient loads could also be reduced in even-aged BAU management by decreasing the use of clear-felling, in both mineral soil and peatland forests. Nutrient loads increased with increasing harvest volumes in both silvicultural systems. Significant reductions in nutrient loads can be achieved with a reasonably small loss in the profitability of forest management. The optimal use of continuous cover management reduces nutrient loads without decreasing the profitability of forest management.

Keywords

Forest planning / Pareto frontier / Nitrogen / Phosphorus / Optimization / Water management

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Funding

University of Eastern Finland (including Kuopio University Hospital)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

The Author(s)