Growth, yield and stand dynamics on drained peatlands

The aim of the project was to create models for stand simulators to describe biological processes (growth, mortality) in drainage areas, the effect of stand management (thinning, ditch network maintenance) on tree growth and changes in stand structure in the long run. During the project, probability models were created to predict the need for ditch network maintenance and the mortality probability of individual trees in peatland forests. Furthermore, a model was created for predicting the growth response of peatland pine stands after maintenance of the ditch network. All new models were integrated into the MELA and MOTTI programs used in forest planning. The MOTTI software was used to simulate and compare different alternative silviculture processes, i.e. thinning and ditch network maintenance, in various growth sites in different parts of the country.

Additional information on the project: www.metla.fi/hanke/3265/index-en.htm