Metla Project 3226

The prediction of the tree growth and quality in Betula pendula and Betula pubescens stands

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Duration: 1998-2002   Keywords: Betula pendula, Betula pubescens, branchiness, growth, growth model, site index, stem defects, stem form, stem quality, yield
Research Programme: Alternatives of silvicultural practices in forest management and their effects on forest production

Objectives

1. The models for height development of silver birch (Betula pendula) and downy birch (Betula pubescens) in connection with the site index system.
2. Stand level growth models (dominant height, mean diameter, basal area, volume) for natural and planted Betula pendula tree stands and for natural Betula pubescens tree stands on mineral soils.
3. Tree level growth models (diameter, height, crown ratio) for Betula pendula and B. pubescens on mineral soils.
4. Stem quality models for Betula pendula.
5. The management of Betula pubescens stands on ditched peatlands.
6. One aim was to collect new knowledge and results of birch to a manual or textbook, but it was not completed.
7. The excursion quidebooks for two research areas of birch management.

Results

The constructed birch dominant height development models were more reliable than before. The models were used in the Motti-simulation system. New stand level growth models are ready to tests and will be published in ca. 2005. The construction of new tree level growth models for birch was not finished during this project. New models were published (2003 in For.Sci. 49(2)) for predicting external branch characteristics of Betula pendula (crown ratio, self-pruning ratio, diameters and total number of branches, and number of living branches along the stem and branch angle).

The excursion quides for research areas in Muurame (not far from Jyväskylä) and in Noormarkku (not far from Pori) were published in 2002. The influences of serious defects caused by Operophtera brumata and O. fagata in Noormarkku were also published (Metsätieteen aikakauskirja 1/2004).

On peatlands with production of pulp wood in short rotation period (50 years on average) light thinnings for Betula pubescens stands are better than heavy ones or unthinned stand. The regeneration of spruce below Betula pubescens turns out well and the release of new spruce stand should take place at the spruce height of 2-3 m.

Project leader: Niemistö, Pentti
The Finnish Forest Research Institute, Parkano Office, Kaironiementie 15, FI-39700 PARKANO, FINLAND
Phone: +358 29 532 4067
E-mail: pentti.niemisto@metla.fi

Other researchers: Gustavsen, Hans, JO (1999-2002), Piiroinen, Marja-Leena, MU (1998-2002), Siipilehto, Jouni, VA (2002)


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Updated 12.06.2012
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