GROWTH AND SELF-THINNING IN 2 YOUNG SCOTS PINE STANDS PLANTED AT DIFFERENT INITIAL DENSITIES

Two neighbouring young stands of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) with different initial densities were analysed, allowing the study of comp etition on an individual tree basis. The development of growth and sel f-thinning of trees of different competitive status was examined over a period of time, from planting until the time for late precommercial thinning. Differentiation into different tree classes took place relat ively early. About 6-7 years after planting, trees that were classifie d at year 16 as dominant, were significantly larger in stem volume tha n trees that were classed as suppressed. The conclusion was that event s that take place early in the stand development have great importance for later stand structure.