Effects of repeated precommercial thinnings in central hardwood sapling stands

Donald E. Hilt; Martin E. Dale

Treesearch

Effects of repeated precommercial thinnings in central hardwood sapling stands

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Donald E. Hilt, Martin E. Dale

Year:

1982

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Northern Research Station

Source:

Southern Journal of Applied Forestry. 6(1): 53-58.

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Abstract

Precommercial thinnings were repeated four times in a central hardwood sapling stand beginning at age 8 and ending at age 22. Treated plots were thinned on an area-wide basis to specified density levels of 30-, 50-, and 70-percent stocking. The species composition of all stems in the stand was altered somewhat by thinning, but similar trends occurred on control plots. The species composition, growth, and quality of potential crop trees were not improved substantially by thinning. Results indicate that repeated areawide precommercial thinnings to specified density levels is not an effective timber management alternative for hardwood sapling stands.

Citation

Hilt, Donald E.; Dale, Martin E. 1982. Effects of repeated precommercial thinnings in central hardwood sapling stands. Southern Journal of Applied Forestry. 6(1): 53-58.