Effects of drought stresses induced by polyethylene glycol on germination of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica seeds from natural and plantation forests on sandy land

Effects of drought stresses induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) (0.0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%, with four replicates) on germination of Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) seeds produced in plantations (southern Keerqin sandy land) and natural forests (Hulunbeier sandy plain) were observed. The results indicated that the seeds from both provenances did not germinate when PEG concentration was more than 25%. The time of initial germination and that of its completion of stressed seeds from both provenances were delayed when compared with the unstressed seeds. The germination capacity and germination rate of natural seeds were significantly higher than those of plantation seeds for all treatment levels (P < 0.05). The mean growth rates of radicle and hypocotyl from natural seeds were significantly higher than those from plantation seeds at all treatment levels below 20% PEG treatment (P < 0.05). The ratios of radicle to hypocotyl of 20% PEG treatment were significant higher than those of the corresponding controls for both provenances (P < 0.05). These results suggested that Mongolian pine seeds/seedlings had stronger resistance to PEG drought stresses; 10% PGE stress did not significantly influence germination. Natural seeds exhibited more resistance to PEG stress than plantation seeds. It was concluded that drought stress on seed germination might be one cause of obstructed natural regeneration of Mongolian pine plantations on sandy land. It is recommended that natural seeds be used for afforestation, and light drought stress (e.g., 10% PEG stress) may be useful in improving seed germination and the growth of radicles and hypocotyls.     

Natural regeneration characteristics of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica forests on sandy land in Honghuaerji, China

Natural regeneration in Mongolian pine, Pinus sylvesttis var. mongolica, forest at Honghuaerji of China （the original of the natural Mongolian pine, forest on sandy land） was studied in 2004. The total mean values of regeneration indexes were higher in mature stands （more than 80% individual stems were older than 50 years）, the maximum of regeneration index reached 29 seedlings, m^ 2, with lowest values in the younger stand, e.g., in 32-year old and 43-year old stands. The stand age was an important factor determining the natural regeneration, which was the best in the older stands in this investigation （e.g. about 80-year old）. The regeneration index seemed not to be closely in relation to canopy openness although Mongolian pine is a photophilic tree species. In each type of gaps, natural regeneration was very well. Regeneration indexes were satisfactory at the south and east edges in the circle gaps; and at the east edge of the narrow-square gaps. Results indicated that Mongolian pine, seedlings could endure shading understory, but it would not enter the canopy layer without gap or large disturbance, e.g., fire, wind/snow damage or clear cutting etc. These results may provide potentially references to the management and afforestation of Mongolian pine, plantations on sandy land in arid and semi-arid areas. Researches such as the comprehensive comparisons on regeneration, structure and ecological conditions and so on between natural Mongolian pine, forests and plantations should be conducted in the future.     

Bio-productivity ofPinus sylvestris L. var.mongolica plantation on west Kerqin sandy land

The biomass and net primary production of Mongolian scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L. var.mongolica) plantations of west Kerqin sandy land were measured. According to average standard trees, the biomass, net primary production and their distributions of trunk, bark, branch, leaf and root of 16-year-old stand were analyzed. The regressive equation for the estimation of each organ biomass was established through dimensional analysis. Preferable equation with higher precision was selected. The study results showed that the total biomass of the forest community was 62.023 t/hm² and net primary production was 5.045 t/(hm²·a), which indicates that the community of plantation possesses high bio-productivity. (Responsible Editor: Chai Ruihai)     

The role of ectomycorrhizal fungi in alleviating pine decline in semiarid sandy soil of northern China: an experimental approach

The decline of Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) trees on sandy land in northern China has caused serious ecological concerns. Mongolian pine is an ectomycorrhizal fungus (ECM)-dependent species. Three ECM species (Boletus sp., Lactarius deliciosus and L.sp.) were collected from Mongolian pine plantation stands to test their beneficial effects on Mongolian pine seedlings and their responses to environmental factors such as pH, drought stress and temperature. The results indicated that ECM inoculation significantly increased the rate of ECM colonization and the length of seedling shoots. The three ECM could grow in a pH range from 4 to 7, but did not grow under heavy drought stress (?1.53 MPa). High temperatures (over 37 °C) caused death of ECM. When related to soil pH, soil water content and temperature in the Mongolian pine plantations, water conditions and temperature were unfavorable for ECM growth in surface soil, but suitable in deeper soil. Therefore, it was concluded that the failure of natural regeneration in Mongolian pine plantations might be influenced by the lack of ECM in the surface soil because of high temperatures causing ECM death. Moreover, the majority of the root area is distributed in deeper soil, which alleviates the stresses on ECM development and arrests pine decline; this is beneficial for tree growth.     

Comparison of foliar nutrient concentrations between natural and artificial forests of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica on sandy land, China

In order to examine the causes of degradation of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica plantations on sandy land, the foliar concentrations of N, P, K and C were analyzed and compared between the field grown P. sylvestris var. mongolica trees from two provenances （natural forests and plantations）. The results indicated that natural tree needles had lower N, P and C concentrations, and higher K concentrations than those of plantation tree needles. For plantation tree needles, ratios of N： P, P. K and N： K increased with tree age before 45 years old; but they were not clear for the natural tree needles. Compared with the conclusions reported on Pinus spp., we found that the foliar N and P concentrations were in the optimal range for both natural and plantation tree needles. This result suggested that N or P might not be the absolute limit factors in plant nutrient for P sylvestris var. mongolica on sandy land. However, foliar K concentrations in both natural and plantation tree needles were much lower than those reported on Pinus spp. （〉4.80 g kg-1）.The N： P ratio of natural needles was in the adequate ranges, but N： P ratio of plantation needles was out of the adequate ranges. These results indicated that there was a better balanced nutrition status in the natural forest than in the plantations. If only considering the foliar nutrient concentrations of P sylvestris var. mongolica from different provenances, it might be concluded that the degradation phenomenon of P. sylvestris var. mongolica plantations was not induced by nutrition deficiency of absolute nutrients of N and P, but might be induced by other mineral nutrients or by the effectiveness of N and P nutrients. The unbalanced nutrition status and relatively quick decomposition of needles in the plantations might also contribute to the degradation.     

Influence of different forest conversion strategies on ground vegetation and tree regeneration in pine (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus sylvestris</Emphasis> L.) stands: a case study in NE Germany

The conversion of anthropogenic into more natural, self-regenerating forests is one of the major objectives of forestry throughout Europe. In this study, we present investigations on permanent plots with different silvicultural treatment in NE German pine stands. Management of old-growth pine stands on acidic and nutrient-poor sandy sites differs in fencing, thinning, and planting of certain tree species. The investigations were carried out on the community, population, and individual level of the pine forest ecosystems. Thus, vegetation changes, size and height of tree populations, and height increment of tree individuals were observed over a time span of 6 years. Special attention was paid to short-lived tree species such as, e.g., Frangula alnus and Sorbus aucuparia, as well as to Fagus sylvatica as one of the most typical forest tree species of Central Europe. Vegetation changes are interpreted as a consequence of natural regeneration of formerly degraded forest sites, involving an increase in nutrient availability. High browsing pressure can be considered as a key factor for the inhibition of tree seedlings and growth of saplings. Some Sorbus aucuparia individuals, however, succeeded in growing out of the browsing height also in unfenced stands. Few found specimens of Fagus sylvatica proved that this species is able to establish spontaneously on these relatively dry, acidic sites under continental climate influence. Such natural regeneration processes, also including spontaneous rejuvenation of trees, can be integrated into silviculture as passive forest conversion management. An active management like thinning of stands, planting of trees, and fencing can accelerate forest conversion with regard to height growth and species number of trees.     

Native woody species regeneration in exotic tree plantations at Munessa-Shashemene Forest,southern Ethiopia

Regeneration of native woody species was studied in the plantations and the adjacent natural forest at Munessa-Shashemene Forest Project Area, Ethiopia. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that tree plantations foster regeneration of native woody species. A total of 60 plots, having 10 × 10 m area each, were studied in monoculture plantations of 4 exotic species (Cupressus lusitanica, Eucalyptus globulus, E. saligna, Pinus patula) and an adjacent natural forest. Ages of the plantations ranged between 9 and 28 years. Soil seed bank analysis was also undertaken from soil samples collected in each of the 60 plots to examine the similarity between the soil seed flora and aboveground vegetation. A total of 56 naturally regenerated woody species were recorded beneath all plantation stands with densities ranging between 2300 and 18650 individuals / ha in different stands. There was a significant difference among plantation stands with regard to understorey density (standard deviation: 4836 ± 1341). Vegetation diversity was assessed through analyses of floristic composition, species richness and abundance. Generally, seedling populations were the most abundant components of the regeneration in most of the plantation stands, forming 68 % of the total regeneration count in all stands. A total of 77 plant species represented by 44 herbs, 13 woody species, 8 grasses and 12 unidentified species were recorded in the soil seed bank from all stands. Similarity between the soil seed bank and aboveground flora was very low implying that the role of soil seed banks is negligible rather dispersal plays an important role in the process of regeneration. These results support the concept that forest plantations can foster the regeneration of native woody species, thereby increasing biological diversity, provided that there are seed sources in the vicinity of the plantations.     

桂西南马尾松人工林生长对不同强度采伐的动态响应

[目的]研究不同强度采伐下马尾松的生长动态,筛选适宜的采伐强度,为马尾松人工林近自然经营提供技术支撑。[方法]2007年10月在14年生马尾松人工林(保存密度1 100株·hm~(-2))内进行采伐试验,设置4个采伐强度,即保留密度分别为225、300、375、450株·hm~(-2),以不采伐为对照;其后,自2008年开始连续8 a,每2 a测定1次马尾松的胸径、树高、枝下高和冠面积等生长指标,并计算单株材积和林分蓄积量,应用方差分析和Duncan多重比较分析生长指标对不同采伐强度的动态响应。[结果]表明:采伐强度显著影响林分生长,其中,林分平均胸径、单株材积、冠面积的年均增长量随保留密度增大而减小,但均显著高于对照(P0.05)。采伐后第1 3年,马尾松冠面积增长量显著高于采伐后期,胸径则在采伐后第3 5年最高,而不同采伐强度对林分树高生长影响不明显。保留密度显著影响林分枝下高和蓄积量的动态变化,其年均增长量随密度增大而递增。5个处理间林分蓄积年均增长量的差异随林龄的增大而逐渐缩小。[结论]马尾松人工林生长对不同强度采伐的动态响应以树冠最敏感,冠面积首先陡然增大,进而引起胸径的快速生长。树高和枝下高在采伐后年均增量变化相对平稳。4个采伐强度均显著促进单株材积生长,而仅保留密度为225株·hm~(-2)的采伐对林分蓄积增长量影响显著。综合比较林分的单株材积和林分蓄积连年增长量,建议在桂西南15年生马尾松人工林近自然经营中宜选择300株·hm~(-2)的保留密度进行采伐。     

Evaluation of native tree species for the rehabilitation of deforested areas in a Mexican cloud forest

Four native tree species (Liquidambar styraciflua, Juglans pyriformis, Podocarpus matudae, and Carpinus caroliniana) were evaluated for their suitability in rehabilitating degraded areas of Mexican cloud forest. Plant survival and growth in height and diameter were determined in three mixed-experimental plantations with different land use histories; their performance was compared with two on-farm plantations started by landowners for forest restoration. Nearby forest fragments were controls for soil compaction. An experimental plantation with remnant trees had the highest plant survival (82%), height, basal diameter and relative growth rate. The plantation with the steepest slope had high plant survival (63%) and growth. The plantation characterized by dominance of grasses and compacted soils had the lowest survival (22%) and growth. On-farm plantations had good establishment of planted trees (5–10 species planted), and facilitated the recruitment of 9–11 woody species. Carpinus and Liquidambar appear to be suitable species for reforestation in all these areas. Podocarpus grew relatively slowly, although it performed well in two experimental sites. Juglans had high survival (76%) under the stressful conditions of the most adverse site, and therefore may be useful for rehabilitation of degraded sites. Differences among species and sites strongly suggest that species success depends on plantation site quality.     

广西大青山柚木人工林生长过程研究

[目的]研究柚木人工林生长过程及其与气象因子的相关性,为柚木抚育经营提供理论依据。[方法]以优良、中等和差3种生长类型的30余年生柚木人工林为对象,基于样地调查,选取优势木、平均木、被压木进行树干解析,对比分析其生长过程,应用灰色关联分析法揭示气象因子对柚木生长的影响。[结果]表明:3种生长类型林分柚木胸径、树高和材积生长过程基本一致,各分级木的生长过程亦相似,其胸径平均和连年生长量随年龄的增大呈先增加后逐渐降低的趋势,树高生长整体上呈下降趋势,材积生长则呈递增趋势。各优良林分的林木及各类型林分的优势木,其胸径、材积平均和连年生长量较大,速生期持续时间长,生长衰减慢,而其树高生长量的优势相对不明显;30余年生时柚木尚未达数量成熟龄。各类型林分间柚木生长与气象因子关系的差异仅体现在胸径,优良林分胸径连年生长量主要受极端低温影响,而中等和差林分则与年均降水量相关性最大;各分级木间柚木生长与气象因子的关系无明显差异;影响树高和材积连年生长量的最主要气象因子分别为年均降水量和年均气温。[结论]柚木各生长类型及分级木的生长过程整体趋势基本一致,其差异主要体现在生长量大小和快速生长期长短。约30年生柚木人工林仍未达到数量成熟,后期抚育经营对于其优质大径材高效培育仍不可忽视。     

沙地疏林草地和樟子松人工林土壤中不同形态磷素含量和磷酸单酯酶活性的比较

为评价我国北方大规模人工造林对土壤磷素转化及磷素有效性的影响,对半干旱沙地樟子松人工林和天然植被(疏林草地)不同层次(0～5 cm, 5～20 cm)土壤中不同形态磷组分和磷酸单酯酶活性进行了比较.结果表明:除人工林土壤中活性有机磷不受土壤深度影响外,各样地表层土壤中各种磷素含量和酶活性均显著高于低层土壤,但分层效应在人工林中低于疏林草地;与疏林草地土壤相比,除Al-P外,人工林土壤中各种磷素绝对含量和酶活性均显著降低,总有机磷和Ca-P在全磷中的比例显著下降,而活性磷,Al-P和Fe-P占全磷的比例增加.可见表层土壤是磷素转化最活跃的区域,凋落物分解是土壤磷的主要来源;用樟子松进行人工造林促进了有机磷的矿化和Ca-P的溶解,提高了土壤磷素的有效性,同时导致土壤总磷库逐渐耗竭.要维持该人工防护林功能和稳定性,必须对地被物予以保护,并进行适当施肥.表3参38.     

我国樟子松人工林天然更新研究进展

樟子松人工林天然更新问题的研究一直在进行,但人工林内幼苗数量过少及难以发育为幼树的问题一直难以彻底解决。文中综述了影响我国沙地樟子松人工林天然更新能力的因素,如光照、温度、水分、土壤环境、生物因子及人工营林技术等的研究概况。在研究过程中发现,樟子松人工林的遗传多样性与土壤微生物对樟子松人工林天然更新影响方面的研究尚少有报道,或可以为解决樟子松人工林天然更新问题提供更深入的思路。     

Growth variation and early selection ofBetula platyphylla in natural stands

The stem analysis ofBetula platyphylla in natural forest at the Maoershan Forest Experimental Station of Northeast Forestry University, showed that the growth variation of the trees, including height and diameter breast height, decreases with the increase of the age. There is the turning point for the growth variation of the tree from acute change to relative stability when the trees are in eighteen years old. There are significant differences among the height, diameter and volume growth of the trees at that time. Therefore, the optimal age for early selection of this species in natural stands is eighteen years old (18 a). Diameter is used as main index for selection and height growth as auxiliary one. (Responsible Editor: Zhu Hong)     

Effects of thinning on growth of six tree species in north-temperate forests of Lithuania

This paper summarises the results from 35 years-observed thinning experiments on 256 permanent sample plots in 10–60 year-old stands of ash, aspen, birch, oak, pine and spruce in Lithuania. Thinning enhanced crown projection area increment of residual trees. The largest effect was observed in stands of aspen and birch (growth increase by 200%), followed by ash and oak (over 100%), and spruce and pine (about 80%). Thinning also promoted dbh increment, especially in younger stands, and the increase of dbh increment was positively correlated with the thinning intensity. The strongest reaction was exhibited by oak and aspen, while ash, birch and conifers reacted to a lower extent. Low and moderate intensities of thinning stimulated volume production in younger stands while the opposite was observed in older stands with increasing removals. Spruce stands exhibited relatively strongest increase of volume increment and pine, –the weakest, while the effect on deciduous species was intermediate. The results demonstrate that significant increase in volume increment is achievable with thinning of only young forest stands, e.g. 10–20 year-old pine, birch and ash, or 10–30 year-old oak, aspen and spruce.     

Bio-productivity of Pinus sylvestris L.var. mongolica plantation on west Kerqin sandy land

lntroductionMongoIianscotchpine(PinussyvesmeL.var,mon-gohbe)isafondamentaItreespeciesincoIdtemper-atezone,mainlydistributedinHeiIongjiangProvinceandDaxing'anMOuntainforestregionoflnnerMon-goIiaAutonomousRegion.Withhighendurancetocold,droughtandpoorsoil,thistreespecieshasthecharacteristicsoff8stgroWth,shortfinaIcuttingageandgoodqualitytimber,atc-.IthasbeenproventhatMongoIianscOtchpineisoneofthemostsuccessfuIIyintroducedtreespeciesinsemi-aridregionafterbeingintroducedinto13provincesandau…     

Study on tracheid variation ofPicea koraiensis (nakai) in natural stand and plantation

Tracheid characteristics ofPicea koraiensis from natural stand in Liangshui area and plantation in Mao'ershan area were studied. The results of variance analysis showed that the tracheid length, diameter, and thickness of tracheid wall were significant differences between the growth rings. All those characteristics tend to increase from heart-center to bark. In natural stand, it has positive correlation between the characteristics. In plantation, the tracheid length has positive correlation with the trachied diameter, while both the trachied length and the trachied diameter has negative correlation with the thickness of trachied wall. The tracheid length and diameter have no significant difference in growth between natural stand and plantations. The thickness of tracheid wall from the plantation is a little thicker than that from the natural stand before 15 years. Foundation item: This paper was part of State 9th Five-Year Plan project of “Early Mensuration ofPicea koraiensis (nakai)”. Biography: REN Xu-qin (1973-), female, graduate student in Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, P. R. China. Responsible editor: Song Funan     

Effect of tree-crop intercropping on a young Populus tomentosa plantation

In order to study the effect of tree crop intercropping on a young plantation of Populus tomentosa in the plains along the Yellow River, field experiments were conducted by observing the growth of the plantation, the nutrient content in leaves, the nutrient and water content in the soil, and the output of crops. The relationship between forest growth and nutrient content in the tree leaves and the soil were analyzed. Results show that tree crop intercropping in young plantations can not only improve soil water content, but also enhance the contents of organic matter and the available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in soil resulting in the vigorous growth of the individual trees. Diameter at breast height (DBH) was positively related to the contents of organic matter in the soil, and the contents of N, P and K in the tree leaves had correlation coefficients of 0.967, 0.955, 0.988 and 0.972, respectively. Whole tree leaf area, crown width, number of branches and the mean length of branches in the intercropped plantation (intercropped with watermelon and vegetables, peanut and winter wheat, and soybean) were, respectively, 1.70–3.0 times, 2.22–2.47 times, 1.0–1.41 times and 1.70–2.32 times of those of CK (without intercropping). Diameter at breast height (DBH) and tree height in the intercropped plantation were 50.5%–136.7% and 27%–59.5% higher than those of the CK, respectively. The study also showed that intercropping with watermelon and vegetables proved to have the highest economic return among the treatments adopted. Tree crop intercropping in young plantations is an effective measure to increase forest growth and economic benefit. __________ Translated from Journal of Beijing Forestry University, 2006, 28(3): 81–85 [译自: 北京林业大学学报]     

Growth pattern analysis and stemwood production in an unmanaged old plantation of hiba, Thujopsis dolabrata, in northern Japan

We analyzed the growth patterns of Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondai trees in an old plantation (161 years old), where no silvicultural treatments (e.g., thinning) have been conducted since the initial planting. The analysis focused on understanding individual growth under a long-term self-thinning process, and the stand-level stemwood production at the mature stage was evaluated. Nine canopy-layer trees and one suppressed tree were used for the analysis of annual increments in stem diameters, heights, and stemwood volumes for a given past year using the ring-width data. Both the diameter (at basal portion) and height of all the canopy-layer trees increased at similar rates during the early stage (i.e., 60–70 years after planting); however, after this period, only the height growth rates declined sharply. The annual growth rates of stemwood volume also simultaneously leveled off at the stand age of 40–60 years. Subsequently, the patterns diverged conspicuously, e.g., the growth rates were maintained or increased in some individuals, while it gradually decreased in the case of others until the present year. The divergence of growth pattern was likely to be triggered by intertree competition at several decades after the onset of canopy closure. The current stemwood production of the sample trees, including the suppressed one, was positively correlated with certain size parameters such as stem diameter at breast height and sapwood area at a height of 4 m. Based on the diameter-base allometry, the total stand stemwood production was estimated to be about 12.8 m³ ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. This estimate was higher than those of some old natural T. dolabrata forests (2.0–8.6 m³ ha⁻¹ year⁻¹) that have been well managed by repetitive selection thinning. Furthermore, individual mean stemwood production of the study plantation (0.03 m³ tree⁻¹ year⁻¹) was within the range of these natural stands (0.01–0.05 m³ tree⁻¹ year⁻¹). These comparisons suggested that the old T. dolabrata plantation still maintained a relatively high stemwood production potential despite the absence of artificial controls of tree density in the past. In terms of timber production, this fact implied that a rather long rotation (>100 years) can be applicable in the management of T. dolabrata plantations.     

Teak (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Tectona grandis</Emphasis> L.) tree growth,stem quality and health in coppiced plantations in Java,Indonesia

Coppicing is an alternative reforestation tool for teak in the tropics, substantially reducing regeneration time/costs and associated demands for labor and seed when available. Growth rates of coppiced material are rapid in most situations, but stem/wood quality is a frequent concern. We compared coppiced teak plantations to paired seed-origin plantations, at ages 3, 8, and 13 years, on Forest State Corporation managed land located in Java, Indonesia. Teak trees were evaluated for height, diameter, lower-bole straightness, and presence of disease in both plantation types and at three ages. Mean height and diameter of trees in coppiced plantations were both significantly greater than that in their paired seed-origin plantations at all three ages. Furthermore, heights and diameters in coppiced plantations were higher than expected based on established growth tables for Java. Coppiced plantations were less symptomatic of disease than seed-origin plantations, which promises better wood production and quality. Lower-bole stems in coppiced plantations developed less straight than those in seed-origin plantations, but these deviations faded with time and will likely become insignificant within a 60-year rotation. Based on these results from existing coppiced plantations in Java, coppiced plantations can make a major contribution to teak production in Indonesia.     

From planting to 26 years of age – actual growth and estimated volume scenarios for spruces and pines

The objective of this study was to compare the survival and volume of conifer stands at 26 years of age with their status at planting. Survival, growth and damage were studied in eight clear felled stands regenerated in 1972. Five of the areas were planted with Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and three with Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). The plantings were examined in 1972 and 1974. In 1974, the number of living undamaged planted seedlings was low (10–15%). However, the number of undamaged seedlings was supplemented by naturally regenerated conifer and birch seedlings. The total number of undamaged seedling in 1974 was equivalent to 20–30% of the number of seedlings planted. In 1998, the main species in three stands had changed from Norway spruce to Scots pine, and in one stand from Norway spruce to birches. Actual volume in 1998 for the stands was compared to stand volume generate according to five scenarios based on recommended and actual seedling number in 1972 and 1974. The actual volume was 64% of that expected if the recommended number of trees had been planted. Naturally regenerated Scots pine and Norway spruce increased stand density in 1998. The actual volume was 37% higher than the average volume in the surrounding county. On average, 36% of the trees were damaged. More than 50% of the total damage was caused by moose (Alces alces L.). For Scots pine, moose or other browsing animals damaged 30% of the trees. The results of this study indicate that the 1998 volume was higher than expected, considering the low number of undamaged seedlings in 1974. This was mainly due to the large amount of naturally regenerated plants. In addition, the results indicate that the volume could have been higher if the initial conditions had been better. Despite the low number of undamaged seedlings in 1974, seven of the eight studied stands produced a higher volume than the average stand for the region. In practise, high numbers of seedlings should be planted on scarified areas. In most cases there will be a supply of naturally regenerated seedlings.