Ecology, history and silviculture of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in western Norway - a literature review

Abstract

Summary Results from a literature review on pinewood ecology, silviculture, genetics, aspects of history and forest resources of Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) in western Norway are presented. The pinewoods cover ∼ 40 per cent of the forested land, ∼ 0.31 million ha. During the last 75 years, the area has increased by 17 per cent and the growing stock has risen from ∼ 10 to 34 million m 3 . The impact of man in previous times was very marked, and has had a signifi cant infl uence on the present forest conditions. The pronounced climatic gradients mixed with the topographic variation – from the coastal plains via the fjord systems to the high mountains – is refl ected in rather steep gradients in the pine forest vegetation. Various fl oristic elements can be distinguished, from oceanic via the suboceanic in the outer islands to the thermophytic, boreonemoral and boreal elements in the inner fjord districts and valleys. The introduction of spruce ( Picea spp.) plantations on 10 – 15 per cent of former native pine forests has not negatively affected the bird fauna at the landscape scale. Although not particular species rich, the pine forests harbour species usually not found in other forest types. So far, most work in the fi eld of silviculture and forest ecology in the pinewoods of West Norway has been in the form of case studies. Implications of the results for forestry in the region are briefl y discussed.