Ten-Year Growth Response of a California Red and White Fir Sawtimber Stand to Several Thinning Intensities

Publisher： Society of American Foresters

ISSN： 0885-6095

Source： Western Journal of Applied Forestry, Vol.3, Iss.2, 1988-04, pp. : 41-43

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Abstract

A 100-year-old stand of California red fir (Abies magnifica) and California white fir (Abies concolor) of near normal density was commercially thinned from below to 6 basal area stand densities. Growth was analyzed after 10 years. Periodic annual increments (PAI) of diameter, height, total volume, and gross basal area were correlated with reserve stand basal area, but merchantable volume and net basal area were not. Mortality resulted in considerable variation in net PAI. As much as 50% of the stand basal area was removed with negligible loss in total net volume production. When economically feasible, commercial thinning in similar stands can leave a vigorous reserve with rapid growth potential. West. J. Appl. For. 3(2):41-43, April 1988.