Estimating the growth of 20-to 26-year-old lodgepole pine plantations in the Leningrad region of Russia

Abstract

Abstract The aim of our study was to compare the growth rates of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl.) with those of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) in plantations. The experimental plots were established in 1988, 1989 and 1994 in the southern part of the Leningrad region. In 2014, the condition of the plants on those plots was examined and their linear parameters were measured. The comparison of Scots pine with lodgepole pine of the same age growing in similar soil conditions has shown that Scots pine has only an insignificant advantage over lodgepole pine in the growth rate. In the mixes of Norway spruce and lodgepole pine, Norway spruce considerably suppresses the growth of lodgepole pine. Lodgepole pine has successfully adapted to the climatic conditions of the Leningrad region of Russia, which is easy to see from the well-preserved plantations and their annual bearing. No significant damage because of either diseases or insect pests has been revealed. It is for the first time that the volume yield of lodgepole pine was determined in 20-to 26-year-old experimental plantations in the Leningrad region of Russia.