Six-Year Response of Northern Hardwoods to the Selection System

Abstract

Abstract During 6 years following selection cutting, three northern hardwood stands grew 2.8 to 3.3 square feet in basal area and 316 to 332 board feet (Int.) per acre per year. Over two-thirds of the volume accrued on trees at least 16 inches dbh. Individual trees grew most rapidly at lowest residual basal areas, with growth of small trees most sensitive to differences in stand density. Irregularities in the diameter distribution became less distinct during the 6 years. About 60 to 70% of the regeneration was of commercial species, and more than 316 seedlings per acre grew to heights of at least 6 feet. Most plots with 6-foot regeneration had advance seedlings at least 1 foot tall at the time of cutting. Results confirm the validity of the selection system, and indicate that uneven-aged northern hardwood stands with a reasonably well-balanced diameter distribution can be repeatedly cut at 12- to 15-year intervals to a constant, optimum diameter distribution. North. J. Appl. For. 1:87-91, Dec. 1984.