Economic assessment of European Beech and Turkey Oak stands with close-to-nature forest management

Abstract

The paper analyses the complex economic models of continuous cover forestry based on the 'Dauerwald' principles in the early transformation period and in the traditional rotation system both in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Turkey oak (Quercus cerris L.) stands in central Hungarian study sites. The analysis was carried out on both the stand and estate-levels, and the performances were compared as well. We found that continuous cover forest management (CCF) can achieve at least the same economic efficiency as traditional rotation forest management (RF) in both beech and in Turkey oak stands. The regeneration problems occurring in poor quality sites in Turkey oak stands made visible the economic differences between the two management systems investigated.