Quantification of forest stand structure applied to Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests

Abstract

The use and the application possibilities of forest structure description are discussed. The quantitative description of forest stand structure is studied by way of three structural characteristics: positioning, mixture and differentiation. Therefore various non-spatial and spatial indices are proposed. Some spatial indices are applied to a mixed oak-pine stand in the Belgian Campine region, and the advantages and disadvantages of the calculated indices are considered. Results indicate the utility of these indices, both in describing the stand structure accurately, and in reflecting the operative processes causing stand evolution.