Growth and Yield

There is still a lack of knowledge on growth and yield (G&Y) in continuous cover forestry (CCF). Most published studies are on the selection system with Norway spruce. Published comparisons of the selection system with rotation forestry (RF) show contrasting results. Generally, there seems to be a trend toward faster stand growth in RF. However, there are many uncertainties due to several confounding factors, such as stand-density effects, site-quality classification, and/or growth models used. Most studies do not properly account for all these factors, making it difficult to generalise their results. The optimal stand density trade off for the selection system between stand growth and recruitment should be better investigated. Preliminary results show this could strongly affect stand growth. There is even less knowledge related to G&Y during conversion, a potential bottleneck for full implementation of CCF in the region.