The research shows, on the basis of grey alder stands, the possibilities of increasing the amounts of wood obtained per unit of area when freely choosing the cutting age and the purpose of growing. It is shown that by cutting grey alder at an age of 15-20 years, 2.28 times more wood per ha can be obtained than by cutting birch at the 71-year age determined by the law; 2.06 times more wood per ha than by cutting black alder at the established 71-year age, and 1.9-2.0 times more wood than by cutting aspen tree at the established 41-year age.
The yield of small timber with a top diameter above 10 cm in 25-30-year-old grey alder stands is equal to the yield of timber in birch and aspen tree stands, but slightly smaller than in black alder stands.
The results of this research allow recommending grey alder as a prospective tree species with a cutting age of 15-20 years for production of energy wood and with a cutting age of 25-30 years for production of energy wood and small timber.
Growing of grey alder can significantly increase the yield of wood resources per unit of area.
Keywords: Grey alder, cutting age; energy wood, small timber production
Authors
Daugavietis M.
Latvia Forestry Research Institute Silava, Riga, Salaspils
Daugaviete M.
Latvia Forestry Research Institute Silava, Riga, Salaspils
Login to download the PDF