Diameter Increment in Picea abies Shelterwood Stands in Northern Sweden

Abstract

In this study, the effect of shelterwood density on radial increment and stem form changes was evaluated after 9 yrs for a trial in a forest in northern Sweden dominated by Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.]. Radial increment increased after the shelterwood cut, compared with control stands. The effect was of the same magnitude for sparse and dense shelterwoods. The response started in the third growing season and increased until the seventh season after release. The relative increment response was highest in the lower parts of the tree trunk, which indicates a reallocation of increment during the shelterwood period, causing a slight taper deterioration.