Abstract

ABSTRACT Uneven-aged forest management has attained increasing popularity. It may benefit biodiversity, buffer against pests and abiotic damages, decrease runoff from clearcuts and improve recreational values. We studied how gap cuttings and single-tree selection cuttings influence browsing damage in spruce-dominated forests in south-central Finland. Overall, browsing damage was especially frequent in aspen and rowan, but also in birch. The larger the basal area left in harvesting, the lower the browsing pressure on birch and rowan; neither the harvesting method nor the seedling density had an independent effect on browsing damage. Although larger tree retention levels may reduce browsing damage, the regeneration and recruitment of shade-intolerant broadleaved trees may be compromised.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.