Saw Log Recovery in Birch, Black Alder and Aspen Stands of Hemiboreal Forests in Latvia

Abstract

In any forest stand, the theoretically modelled output of sawlogs (the most valuable roundwood assortments) will differ from what is actually obtained. The aim of this study was to assess whether it is possible to characterize this difference by site properties or inventory parameters of forest element for birch, black alder and as-pen. The differences in yield of sawlogs varied among soil types, and was increasing with age and average diameter of the forest element. The theoretical model for assortment grading predicted a lower yield of saw-logs compared to actually obtained yield at a lower age and at a lower average diameter, but overestimated output of sawlogs as age and diameter increase. The results highlight necessity to consider decreasing wood quality with increasing age to account for damage, such as stem rot, in assortment tables.

Freezing-Rain- and Snow-Induced Bending and Recovery of Birch in Young Hemiboreal Stands

“…Birch (Betula spp.) is the dominant broadleaved tree species in hemiboreal Europe, and qualitative birch wood resources are very important for the timber industry, especially the plywood industry [29]. A recent study based on the Norwegian National Forest Inventory has shown that snow is the most frequent damaging agent in birch stands, especially at an intermediate and mature age [30].…”