Growth rates over four rotations of pine in Swaziland
This short paper continues the regular reporting of performance of successive rotations of pine grown on a 15-17 year rotation in the Usutu Forest, Swaziland. Evidence suggests that the mean height of 5-6 year old fourth rotation P. patula is significantly greater than in all
preceding rotations. The increase in mean height of 6-10% probably arises from genetic improvement. Factors of hail damage and variable stocking affect the comparison but do not invalidate the significant overall conclusion.
In view of the intensive management of the highly productive plantations on the relatively poor soils at Usutu, namely short rotations, no thinning, and a clearfelling silvicultural system, the data reported here augur well for the sustainability (narrow-sense) of plantations more generally.
In view of the intensive management of the highly productive plantations on the relatively poor soils at Usutu, namely short rotations, no thinning, and a clearfelling silvicultural system, the data reported here augur well for the sustainability (narrow-sense) of plantations more generally.
Keywords: long-term productivity; rotations; sustainability; yield
Document Type: Research Article
Affiliations: Professor of Tropical Forestry, Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Imperial College London. Silwood Manor, Silwood Park, Ascot SL5 7PY , UK.
Publication date: 01 December 2005
- The International Forestry Review is a peer-reviewed scholarly journal that publishes original research and review papers on all aspects of forest policy and science, with an emphasis on issues of transnational significance. It is published four times per year, in March, June, September and December. Theme editions are a regular feature and attract a wide audience.
The IFR is part of The Global Forest Information Service - GFIS
International Forestry Review has an Impact Factor of 1.705 - Editorial Board
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