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Silviculture and Management of Boreal Forests

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A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Forest Ecology and Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 May 2022) | Viewed by 20796

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Prof. Dr. Phillip G. Comeau

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Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Interests: silviculture; forest ecology; growth and yield
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The boreal forest circles the northern portions of the earth and represents approximately 30% of the global forest area. This region has a short growing season with 6 to 8 months of below-freezing temperatures and a low diversity of tree species. However, it is an important source of lumber and wood fibre and provides a range of ecological and social services. Boreal forests play important roles in climate regulation and are an important reservoir of carbon. Global climate change is having major impacts and, in addition to forestry, the mining and energy sectors are active in this region.

About two-thirds of the world’s boreal forests are managed. Management intensity varies from extensive management in Canada and Russia to intensive management in Fennoscandia. Harvesting has increased the number of successional or second-growth forests in many areas, with associated changes in structural characteristics and biodiversity. Challenges to management of boreal forests include: slow growth rates, an abundance of poor soil conditions including imperfectly or poorly drained sites as well as rapidly drained sites and cold soils, wetting up of sites following harvest, remoteness, and high costs. A range of silvicultural practices, including draining, mechanical site preparation, prescribed burning, planting, thinning, and cleaning, are applied. Both even-aged and uneven-aged systems are applied, with stand and site characteristics and other factors influencing the choice of system.

The aim of this Special Issue is to document recent advances in silviculture and management of boreal forests with particular emphasis on managing boreal forests for a broad range of services and adaptation to climate change. We invite original research and review papers covering a range of topics relating to the silviculture and management of Boreal forests that demonstrate and compare short-term and long-term outcomes of practices in relation to their impacts on tree growth, yield, biodiversity, economics, resilience, and other values.

Prof. Dr. Phillip Comeau
Guest Editor

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Keywords

boreal forests
silviculture
sustainable management
resilience
climate change adaptation

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 1928 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regional, Site, and Tree Variations of Wood Density and Growth in Thuja occidentalis L. in the Quebec Forest

by Besma Bouslimi, Ahmed Koubaa and Yves Bergeron

Forests 2022, 13(12), 1984; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13121984 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1869

Abstract

Thuja occidentalis L. wood is desirabl, e for wooden structures that require wood density uniformity. Wood density is a wood quality indicator related to numerous morphological, mechanical, physiological, and ecological properties. This study aimed to investigate the regional, site, and tree-to-tree variations of T. occidentalis wood density and growth components through the analysis of X-ray densitometer data. A total of 287 trees were randomly sampled from 11 sites in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue regions in Québec, Canada. The average ring density at breast height was 356 kg m⁻³, with a small difference between earlywood and latewood (167 kg m⁻³), indicating a relatively uniform wood. Ring density and width varied significantly between the Abitibi and the Témiscamingue regions, mainly in the juvenile wood. Trees from the Abitibi region showed higher ring density than those in the Témiscamingue region. In contrast, the ring width was higher in the Témiscamingue region. Site, tree, and cambial age significantly (p < 0.001) affected wood density and growth components. However, the largest variation is due to the tree-to-tree variation, accounting for about 15%–31% of the total variation. Compared to ring widths, ring density components showed a considerably smaller tree-to-tree variation and higher variation (7.1%) with cambial age than ring widths (0.6%). Ring width correlated positively and significantly (p < 0.001) with average temperature and annual precipitation, while ring density correlated negatively and significantly (p < 0.001) with average temperature and annual precipitation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silviculture and Management of Boreal Forests)

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16 pages, 1905 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Four Spacings between Trees and Four Samplings Heights on Selected Wood Quality Attributes of White Spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss)

by Cyriac S. Mvolo, Venceslas Goudiaby, Ahmed Koubaa and James D. Stewart

Forests 2022, 13(11), 1807; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13111807 - 30 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1776

Abstract

Four Picea glauca (Moench) Voss trees grown at each of four square spacing intensities between trees: 1.2 m, 1.8 m, 4.3 m, and 6.1 m in a plantation established in 1967 in the Petawawa Research Forest, Ontario, Canada (lat. 45.59° N, long. 77.25° W, elev. 168 m) and sampled at four different heights (1.3 m, 4.3 m, 7.3 m, 10.3 m) were used to study the impact of spacing between trees and sampling height on nine wood quality attributes (ring width, ring density, tracheid length, tracheid diameter, latewood proportion, intra-ring density variation, ring area, earlywood width, and latewood width). In the juvenile wood, ring width was wider and ring density higher than in the mature wood. Tracheid length was longer and tracheid diameter wider in the mature wood compared to the juvenile wood. The variation of ring density between the two wood zones was limited, and latewood proportion did not show any difference with wood zone. Sampling height induced variation in more wood quality attributes than did spacing. Except for growth rate, spacing between trees did not significantly impact wood quality attributes. Most of these variations were registered between widely different spacings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silviculture and Management of Boreal Forests)

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14 pages, 1840 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mid-Rotation Impacts of Stand Tending with Glyphosate on Plant Diversity in the Boreal Forest of West-Central Alberta

by Milo Mihajlovich, John C. Nash, Sonya Odsen and Brian E. Roth

Forests 2022, 13(10), 1585; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13101585 - 27 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1556

Abstract

Stand tending using glyphosate to promote coniferous overstory trees has been a common practice in the boreal forests of Alberta. However, there are concerns about the impact of this practice on biodiversity of understory species. This study examined the impact of broadcast glyphosate application during the active reforestation phase, two to several years post-harvest, on forest plant diversity 25 to 40 years post-harvest. Herbicide treatments had the desired effect of shifting tree layer dominance from deciduous to coniferous species, driven by a 25-fold reduction in the density of trembling aspen (3927 vs. 154 stems·ha⁻¹, untreated and treated, respectively). However, understory plant diversity was not significantly different between treated and untreated sites as examined by the Shannon–Wiener (H) and evenness (E) indices. Shared plant species (beta) across sites was high. Of the seven site-indicator species examined, three had significantly lower cover on treated sites: Wild sarsaparilla, low bush-cranberry and oak fern. Total understory plant cover was significantly greater in the treated portion (98.0%) versus untreated (71.4%); however, this difference was not significant when bryophytes were excluded in the analysis. The establishment, maintenance and monitoring of larger long-term trials is strongly recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silviculture and Management of Boreal Forests)

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13 pages, 2509 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pre-Commercial Thinning Increases the Profitability of Norway Spruce Monoculture and Supports Norway Spruce–Birch Mixture over Full Rotations

by Mostarin Ara, Mattias Berglund, Nils Fahlvik, Ulf Johansson and Urban Nilsson

Forests 2022, 13(8), 1156; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13081156 - 22 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2254

Abstract

Pre-commercial thinning (PCT) is a common measure in Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) stands but the profitability of doing PCT and timing of PCT has not been fully investigated over a full rotation. Further, limited knowledge is available for mixed forest management compared to monocultures. In this study, different PCT strategies were tested to investigate the effect of PCT and timing of PCT on the production and profitability of Norway spruce monocultures and mixed Norway spruce–birch stands. A forest decision support system was used to simulate stand development during the whole rotation. Our study findings show that there is a positive effect of PCT on Norway spruce plantations’ long-term profitability but that the timing of PCT has little effect on profitability. However, site variation might influence the effect of PCT timing on the profitability of Norway spruce stands. Moreover, we also found that retaining 1000 Norway spruce ha⁻¹ and 1000 birch ha⁻¹ after PCT supports a mixture of Norway spruce and birch over a full rotation, with little or no economic loss compared to pure Norway spruce stands. Therefore, such a mixture can lead to profitable production while still providing other ecosystem services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silviculture and Management of Boreal Forests)

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15 pages, 2675 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Planting, Vegetation Management, and Pre-Commercial Thinning on the Growth and Yield of Lodgepole Pine Regenerated after Harvesting in Alberta, Canada

by W. Richard Dempster

Forests 2022, 13(6), 929; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13060929 - 14 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2368

Abstract

A large long-term field trial was established in the Upper and Lower Foothills sub-regions of the Canadian boreal forest to monitor the effects of planting, vegetation management, and pre-commercial thinning on the development of lodgepole pine stands following harvesting. Data collected at the end of the trial’s regeneration phase, 17 to 20 years after its establishment, were tested for treatment effects and projected to rotation age. Planting generally improved stocking and increased projected growth and yield of lodgepole pine. On modal sites, planted trees were often greatly outnumbered by natural regeneration; however, on others, typically with either poorer or richer soils, satisfactory restocking was not achieved without planting. Control of competing vegetation by herbicide application facilitated regeneration of pine where it was otherwise difficult or impossible on sites with excessive herbaceous or hardwood competition. Pre-commercial thinning accelerated the growth of individual trees and was projected to shorten rotations in dense stands. Responses to the treatments varied depending on environmental factors. Particular treatments may be effective to meet management objectives under some site conditions but unnecessary or counterproductive elsewhere. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silviculture and Management of Boreal Forests)

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13 pages, 2795 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trembling Aspen Stand Response 15 Years after Windthrow, Salvage Harvesting, and Forest Renewal

by Rongzhou Man and Mya Rice

Forests 2022, 13(6), 843; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13060843 - 28 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1955

Abstract

Windthrow is a common occurrence in boreal forests, affecting wood supply and presenting regeneration challenges for forest managers. Salvage harvesting is often conducted afterwards to extract valuable wood and improve access for forest renewal activities. Research efforts, however, are generally limited to the effects of windthrow and salvage harvesting in the first few years following disturbance. In 2006, a catastrophic wind event occurred in a trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) forest in northeastern Ontario. A field study was established with a range of silvicultural treatments from leaving after windthrow (W) to forest renewal treatments including windrow site preparation, planting, and herbicide release (WSPR). While the results of first 5-year assessment have been reported, the objective of the current study was to reassess treatment effects at 15 years post-disturbance, a stage of stand development that is more indicative of future forest conditions. Compared to the results of the earlier assessment, the 15-year assessment indicated that standing dead wood (snags) declined, whereas coarse downed wood did not change substantially over time. Post-disturbance salvage harvesting improved aspen regeneration in terms of density, stocking, and growth, but substantially reduced the proportion of conifers relative to windthrow only. Thus, salvage harvesting helped to sustain aspen composition, compared to other treatment options that increased proportions of pine and spruce trees from W to windthrow and salvage harvesting combined with windrow site preparation and planting (WSP), and from WSP to WSPR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silviculture and Management of Boreal Forests)

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12 pages, 2295 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Aspect-Slope on the Growth of Conifers in a Harsh Boreal Climate of Northwest Sweden

by Friday N. Ogana, Fredrik Sjödin, Emma Holmström, Clas Fries and Urban Nilsson

Forests 2022, 13(2), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13020301 - 12 Feb 2022

Viewed by 1978

Abstract

Tree development is affected by different factors including topographic features. The effect could be even more complex in harsh environments such as in the northwest of Sweden. In this study, we analyzed the effect of aspect-slope on the development up to the age of 34 years of five species: black spruce, lodgepole pine, Norway spruce, Siberian larch and Scots pine. The species were planted in a field experiment on the southwest slope, mountaintop, and northeast slope in a randomized complete block design in the northwest of Sweden (latitude 67°) with 2 m × 2 m spacing. No re-measurement data were available and, as such, retrospective diameters and heights were derived from sample discs and measurement of length to every branch whorl, respectively. Variations in tree survival rate, height and diameter were analyzed using a linear mixed-effect model. The results showed that there were significant (p < 0.05) differences between species in survival rate, diameter and height growth; in some cases, differences were found between contrasting aspect-slope. Black spruce and Siberian larch had the best survival rate under this harsh boreal climate. However, Siberian larch had the best growth and developed well on the mountaintop and northeast slope. Lodgepole pine developed well on the southwest slope. Scots pine also grew well on the southwest slope and mountaintop. Norway spruce had the slowest growth. Based on this study, Siberian larch and lodgepole pine can serve as alternatives to the two traditional conifer species, Norway spruce and Scots pine, used in Sweden. Siberian larch is particularly suitable because it is able to withstand the harshness of the boreal environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silviculture and Management of Boreal Forests)

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20 pages, 1902 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Precommercial Thinning Increases Spruce Yields in Boreal Mixedwoods in Alberta, Canada

by Ivan Bjelanovic, Phil Comeau, Sharon Meredith and Brian Roth

Forests 2021, 12(4), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12040412 - 30 Mar 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2750

Abstract

A few studies in young mixedwood stands demonstrate that precommercial thinning of aspen at early ages can improve the growth of spruce and increase stand resilience to drought. However, information on tree and stand responses to thinning in older mixedwood stands is lacking. To address this need, a study was initiated in 2008 in Alberta, Canada in 14 boreal mixedwood stands (seven each at ages 17 and 22). This study investigated growth responses following thinning of aspen to five densities (0, 1000, 2500, 5000 stems ha⁻¹ and unthinned (control)). Measurements were collected in the year of establishment, and three and eight years later. Mortality of aspen in the unthinned plots was greater than in the thinned plots which were not significantly different amongst each other. Eight years following treatment, aspen diameter was positively influenced by thinning, while there was no effect on aspen height. The density of aspen had no significant effect on the survival of planted spruce. Spruce height and diameter growth increased with both aspen thinning intensity and time since treatment. Differentiation among treatments in spruce diameter growth was evident three years from treatment, while differentiation in height was not significant until eight years following treatment. Yield projections using two growth models (Mixedwood Growth Model (MGM) and Growth and Yield Projection System (GYPSY)) were initialized using data from the year eight re-measurements. Results indicate that heavy precommercial aspen thinning (to ~1000 aspen crop trees ha⁻¹) can result in an increase in conifer merchantable volume without reducing aspen volume at the time of harvest. However, light to moderate thinning (to ~2500 aspen stems ha⁻¹ or higher), is unlikely to result in gains in either deciduous or conifer merchantable harvest volume over those of unthinned stands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silviculture and Management of Boreal Forests)

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12 pages, 1058 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Aspen and Spruce Density on Size and Number of Lower Branches 20 Years after Thinning of Two Boreal Mixedwood Stands

by Philip G. Comeau

Forests 2021, 12(2), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12020211 - 11 Feb 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1829

Abstract

This study examined branch diameter, number of whorls, and number of branches in the lower 2 m of the stems of white spruce growing in pure stands and in mixture with a range of densities of trembling aspen. Data were collected from two study sites located north of Big River Saskatchewan, which were regenerated following clearcutting in 1992 and thinned in 1996 to five aspen densities and two spruce densities. Results show significant decreases in spruce diameter at breast height (DBH), height, live crown ratio, maximum branch diameter in the lower 2 m, average branch diameter in the whorl closest to 1 m, and increases in tree slenderness with increases in aspen density. Increasing spruce density reduced the number of live branches and number of live branch whorls in the lower 2 m. Maximum branch diameter in the whorl closest to 1 m was influenced by both aspen and spruce density, with a significant interaction term resulting from effects of intraspecific competition being evident for aspen densities of 1500 stems ha⁻¹ or lower. DBH and slenderness explained more than 49% of the variation in spruce crown width, maximum branch diameter in the lower 2 m, maximum live branch diameter in the whorl closest to 1 m, and average live branch diameter in the whorl closest to 1 m. DBH explained more variation in crown width and branch diameter than slenderness. This study demonstrates that growing spruce in mixture with aspen can lead to reductions in branch size and that early thinning to low aspen densities could lead to increases in size of knots and associated reductions in wood quality, particularly when spruce densities are low. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silviculture and Management of Boreal Forests)

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