Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate growth changes of DBH, height, crown width, volume, stem biomass, and dead trees after thinning treatments with different thinning intensity for Korean white pine (Pinus koraiensis) plantation. First thinning was applied with 29~69% intensity based on number of trees in 19-year- old plantation, and trees were measured three times: right after thinning (19-year-old), 5 years later (24-year- old), 12 years later (29-year-old). In the case of DBH growth, average DBH growth of heavily thinned plots was 19.6~19.9% higher 5 years later, and 13.3~24.7% higher 12 years later, compared to that of unthinned plots. Initial diameter growth rate was higher than late growth rate. The proportion of large pole candidates (DBH ≥ 25 cm) was 31% in heavily thinned plot while only 2% was shown in unthinned plot. No difference was shown in height growth depending on plots, and average crown width growth in heavily thinned plots was 30.6~33.3% higher, 5 years later, and 35.0~40.0% higher, 12 years later, compared to that of unthinned plots. Average volume growth of individual trees in heavily thinned plots was 39.8~46.8% higher, 5 years later, and 23.0~52.0% higher, 12 years later, compared to unthinned plots. The maximum volume and biomass per unit area were shown in unthinned plot; the volume and biomass 5 and 12 years later after thinning were 133 m 3 / ha (51 kg/ha) and 344 m 3 /ha (132 kg/ha), respectivily. The significant difference appeared in crown width, volume, and biomass depending on thinning intensity. No dead trees occurred in heavily thinned plots for 12 years after thinning, while mortality rate in unthinned plots was 27.9~37.8%. As a result of analyzing annual increment using cores to determine the timing of second thinning, it suggested that second thinning be suitable around 10 years after first thinning.

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