Silvicultural interpretation of natural vegetation dynamics in ageing Scots pine stands for their conversion into mixed broadleaved stands

In many West-European regions there is principal consensus on the conversion of homogeneous even-aged Scots pine plantations into mixed broadleaved stands. In recent years, interest is growing for conversion management in which managers try to maximise the use of natural processes by steering or acc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Forest ecology and management 2006-03, Vol.223 (1), p.363-370
Main Authors: Kint, V., Geudens, G., Mohren, G.M.J., Lust, N.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Biological and medical sciences
coniferous forests
Conversion
deciduous forests
forest stands
forest succession
forest trees
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
mixed forests
Multiple pathway model
natural regeneration
Natural vegetation dynamics
Pinus sylvestris
plantation forestry
Scots pine
silvicultural practices
Silvicultural strategies
stand management
Synecology
Terrestrial ecosystems
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Summary:In many West-European regions there is principal consensus on the conversion of homogeneous even-aged Scots pine plantations into mixed broadleaved stands. In recent years, interest is growing for conversion management in which managers try to maximise the use of natural processes by steering or accelerating spontaneously occurring developments, or initiating new developments, according to current insight into natural vegetation dynamics and the factors controlling it. We present the most comprehensive models of natural vegetation dynamics in ageing temperate Scots pine forest ecosystems on poor sandy soils in Europe—a linear succession model and a multiple pathway model. We use the multiple pathway model to define three silvicultural strategies for the conversion of ageing Scots pine stands, in accordance with natural processes. For each strategy the conversion target, the conversion type and recommendations on scale, intensity and frequency of management interventions are presented. The proposed strategies provide an uncomplicated ecological framework for planning and implementing conversion management within a realistic time span. Limitations of the proposed strategies and alternative management approaches are discussed. The described models and strategies are valid in large areas of the West-European Atlantic biogeographic region.
ISSN:0378-1127
1872-7042
DOI:10.1016/j.foreco.2005.11.018