Description and Quantification of Silvicultural Prescriptions

Abstract

The removal of trees is the most important measure for steering stand development. It changes the stand structure and triggers specific growth responses in the remaining stand. By removing trees the investigator or practitioner aims to modify resource allocation in a certain way, e.g., direct it to a specific tree collective or promote stability. Tree removals present a very effective lever for controlling the resource partitioning and biomass allocation between the trees in the remaining stand. It is necessary to quantify where, and how, this lever can be used to change the spatial occupancy pattern in stands through removals. By numerically fixing the spatial-temporal course of silvicultural intervention on experimental plots, the formulation of thinning guidelines and the integration of silvicultural prescriptions in simulation models becomes objective and reproducible. Furthermore, a clear quantification of the treatment or tending strategies also assists the transfer and the ability to manage recommended treatments in forestry practice.