Metla Project 3032
Growth and yield of peatland stands
Duration: 1992-1999
Keywords: drainage, forested wetlands, growth models, site index, stand structure, thinning
Objectives
The project aimed at i) developing statistical models predicting stand structure and tree growth, and ii) investigating the mode of inter tree competition and the impacts of intermediate cuttings in drained boreal peatland forests.
Results
Mixed linear models for predicting basal area growth and height/diameter curves for Scots pine, pubescent birch, and Norway spruce on drained peatland sites in Finland were produced and incorporated to the MELA forest management planning system. Also stand level yield models for different site types in southern Finland were developed.
On sites applicable for forestry drainage, wood productivity increases considerably and continuously at least up to 40 years from drainage. On meso-oligotrophic pine fens in southern Finland, the tree stand biomass equals 80.000 kg/ha, i.e. tenfold to that of an undrained site after 50 years elapsed from water-level draw-down.
In pine stands on drained peatlands, trees probably compete for below ground resources rather than for light at least until the stage of first commercial thinning. Consequently, thinning increases foliar nutrition and vigor of both dominant and suppressed trees. Impacts of thinning on biomass and nutrient allocation and tree growth require further studies (see project 3261).
Project leader:
Penttilä, Timo
The Finnish Forest Research Institute,
Vantaa Unit,
PL 18, FI-01301 VANTAA, FINLAND
Phone: +358 29 532 2071
E-mail: timo.penttila@metla.fi
Other researchers:
Alenius, Virpi, RO (1995,1997-98), Gustavsen, Hans, JO (1997-99), Hökkä, Hannu, RO (1995-99)
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Updated 12.06.2012
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