Title: The network of permanent sample plots for forest growth in Estonia
Abstract: Both adequate forest stand descriptions and stand growth and structure models are needed for effective and sustainable forest management. The key to successful timber management is a proper understanding of growth processes, and one of the objectives of forest modeling is to provide the tools that enable foresters to compare alternative silvicultural approaches. Models of forest structure and growth are currently being developed in Estonia. Tree-wise re-measured permanent sample plot data are needed to create and maintain forest growth models for Estonia. A new network of permanent sample plots for monitoring the growth and yield of Estonian forests was established in 1995-2005. The network covers the main forest types and the current age distributions of commercial forests in Estonia. The radius of the circular plots ranges between 15 and 30 meters, such that each plot holds a minimum of 100 trees. The sample plots are re-measured at five-year intervals. The polar coordinates and the breast height diameters of all trees are measured. Additionally, the total height, the height to crown base and to the lowest dead branch of 20 percent selected sample trees are measured. Currently, the database of the Estonian network of permanent sample plots contains measurement data for 105 349 trees from 730 sample plots. Altogether 71 506 trees in 492 permanent sample plots have been re-measured once, and 12 841 trees in 97 plots were re-measured two times. A hierarchical system of stand growth models which are compatible with, and based on, distance independent individual tree growth equations appears be most suitable for forest management in Estonia. Consequently, on the basis of re-measurement data, tree growth and mortality were analyzed, and preliminary models have been elaborated. For reliable forest growth modelling, however, data from 3-4 re-measurements (during the next 15-20 years) would be needed. Nevertheless, the currently available data can be used for modelling of forest structure and dynamics, and for pilot studies exploring different methods of data analysis. The new network of permanent sample plots for monitoring the growth and yield of Estonian forests is being used by several scientists. It has already proven its worth as a good data source for testing and building models for sustainable forest management in Estonia.
Publication Year: 2006
Publication Date: 2006-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 4
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