| title: |
Natural regeneration of Estonian forests according to silvicultural measures and natural disturbances |
| reg no: |
ETF4980 |
| project type: |
Estonian Science Foundation research grant |
| subject: |
4.3. Sylviculture, Forestry
|
| status: |
completed |
| institution: |
Estonian Agricultural University |
| head of project: |
Kalev Jõgiste |
| duration: |
01.01.2002 - 31.12.2004 |
| description: |
Regeneration of forests in Estonia after final fellings has become a most important problem in forest management. Forest as a valuable nature resourse is important for Estonian economics. The cutting volumes have increased several times during last decade. In present situation the forest regeneration has crucial importance to resource utilisation potential in future. The artificial forest regeneration has long traditions in Estonia. The economical situation has affected the proportions of artificial forest regeneration: the part of artificially regenerated forest has dropped. The main aim of the present project is to analyse and evaluate the mechanism and potential of natural regeneration. The essential part of the work carried out is the measurement of naturally regenerated areas and analysis of data. The regeneration mechanism of Scots pine, Norway spruce and silver birch and factors having effect on it are analysed. The environmental factors are estimated separately as biotic and abiotic component. Biotic component is understood as competition with ground vegetation and other tree species. The description of competition between tree species enables one to predict proportions in the course of natural regeneration and plan mesures for silviculture to grow the mixed stand with desired and suitable composition. The abiotic component is understood as soil chemical proporties and hydrology. The important aspect is nutrient and water budget of soils during juvenile growth of seedlings. Methodological basis for research is the permanent sample method where trees have been marked and mapped, the growth is monitored during several years. The main variables analysed are attributes on abundance of individuals and species, but also the growth parameters (diameter and height increment) and stand dynamic trends (canopy clousure and self-thinning). The result of the work are of high importance for planning measures for timber harvesting and forest regeneration. The optimal solutions in silvicultural meaures planning is essential for forest economocs and sustainable management. |