Scots pine in Belgium and the Netherlands

Abstract

Scots pine is the most important tree species in the Netherlands (39 % of the forest area), and one of the three main conifer species in Belgium (10 % of the forest area). The management goals for Scots pine have changed very much during the twentieth century: from the production of mining timber until the 1970’s, to multifunctional forest management at the end of the century. The natural forest types with Scots pine in the Netherlands are discussed. In Belgium, Scots pine is not considered to be indigenous. The forest succession with Scots pine is described, mostly from degraded heathland or windblown sand to forest ecosystems. Usually, Scots pine plays an important role in the beginning of this succession, but decreases when broad-leaved tree species become dominant in the forest canopy in later successional stages. The silviculture has changed very much, both through forest succession and change in management goals. The early, planted monocultures are replaced with more diverse forest structures often using natural regeneration. Clearcutting is performed less and less; with many interventions taking place on a small scale. Stand age is increasing, and the canopy becomes progressively more open through ongoing thinnings until the complete canopy is removed. The site quality is also changing, mainly through acidification and nitrogen inputs from air pollution. While the area of Scots pine is gradually decreasing, the originally low biodiversity in the young stands is now increasing in the remaining areas with Scots pine.