Is uneven-aged silviculture applicable to peatland black spruce (Picea mariana) in Ontario, Canada?

Abstract

Fifth-year results of an uneven-aged silviculture experiment in peatland black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) in Ontario, Canada indicate that mechanized partial harvesting can maintain diameter distributions suitable for continued application of this silvicultural system. At present, uneven-aged silviculture is not practised operationally, but current regeneration treatments are creating stands with varying degrees of structural irregularity. Modelling is required to plan appropriate cutting cycles and intensities, and to forecast the growth and yield of irregular stands.