Growth effects after mountain forest selective cutting in southeast Norway

Abstract

Growth effects in a sub-alpine, low-yield Norway spruce forest in southeast Norway are reported. Sixteen sample plots of 400 m2, established 8-9 years after a mountain forest selective (MFS) cutting in the mid-1970s, were re-investigated in 2000. The selective cutting was heavy, with a mean felling volume of 72 per cent of the standing volume. Most trees in the remaining stands responded positively with increased growth after the cutting, and this was most pronounced in small and medium sized trees. A weak relationship between standing volume before and after felling, and the actual stand volume increment in the 25-year period was revealed. The felling has stimulated natural regeneration and increased the proportion of birch. The results indicate that not more than ∼65 per cent of the standing volume should be cut in a single intervention if cutting cycle is less than 50 years.