Abstract
An equation was constructed to estimate the stem volume of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) in 145 stands growing on former farmland in Sweden (Latitude 56–63° N). The mean total age was 40 ± 13 (range 17–91) years, the mean diameter at breast height (ob) was 15 ± 4 (range 5–27) cm and the mean density was 1621 ± 902 (range 100–7600) stems ha−1. The equation which fits the data best used the diameter at breast height and total stem height as predictive variables. Merchantable volume equations for the estimation of commercial volume for any top diameter and bole length were developed. Soil types in the stands were sediments (coarse sand, fine sand and silt and heavy, medium and light clay), tills (sandy, fine sandy and silty) and peat. The standing volume was calculated; the mean was 253 ± 103 (range 26–507) m3 ha−1 with a MAI (mean annual increment) of 6.9±3.5 (range 1.3–16.7) m3 ha−1 year−1. There were statistically significant differences between MAI and coarse sand, sand and silt, light clay, peat and silty till soils. Spruce stands growing on silty tills had the lowest MAI (4.94 ± 2.27 m3 ha−1 year−1) and light clay, fine sand and silt and peat the highest (7.62 ± 4.24, 7.46 ± 3.33 and 8.67 ± 2.83 m3 ha−1 year−1).
Highlights
Over the last 50 years, programs targeted at reducing agricultural production have been introduced in Sweden
Stem volume estimates for Norway spruce growing on former farmland sites were calculated using a newly developed equation and two commonly-used equations
Results suggested that the latter equations underestimated stem volume
Summary
Over the last 50 years, programs targeted at reducing agricultural production have been introduced in Sweden. The first program started in 1966, with the intention of planting about 500,000 ha of former farmland with forest trees, mainly Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.). The second program of afforestation of farmland started in 1987, with a decision to take around 800,000 to 900,000 ha out of agricultural production. At this time, the farmland was mostly planted with broadleaved species as public opinion was very negative about the “dark” Norway spruce plantations created by the first afforestation program.
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