K. Jaghagen et A. Albrektson, INDUCED COMPETITION AMONG SCOTS PINE-SEEDLINGS AND ITS EFFECT ON FUTURE TIMBER QUALITY, New forests, 12(2), 1996, pp. 163-174
Height and diameter increment and timber quality in Scots pine (Pinus
sylvestris L.) planted as seedlings of different sizes were studied in
two experiments. When compared 32-37 years after planting, seedlings
that were smaller than neighbouring seedlings at the time of planting,
had generally attained lower height and diameter, and had higher mort
ality compared to seedlings that were of equal size or larger than the
ir neighbours. Tree size was strongly related to seedling size two yea
rs after planting. Trees originating from small seedlings had thinner
annual rings and branches than trees originating from large seedlings.
These characters are of importance for timber quality. It seems that
the competitive ability of a tree is to a large extent established ear
ly in stand development.