Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

This paper aims at investigating a possible applicability of a Swedish
forest growth simulator “ProdMod” in conditions of North-West Russia. The result
from ProdMod was based on materials from The Series of Stationary Experimental
Objects and particularly section 1 “Development of Stands Not Touched By
Silvicultural Activity”.
Results of forecast by ProdMod are compared with stands development
observed on sample plots. Basal area and volume development are two crucial
parameters in the comparisons. ProdMod shows quite good results, but there are
some dissimilarities in volume development. It is concluded that this program can be
useful in conditions of North-West Russia, but still it requires some corrections.
Possible successful thinning programs (from economic point of view) are
evaluated. The 6 thinning programs with different intensities and frequencies of
thinning were investigated in stands with different tree species composition. The
program with “flexible” thinning schedule for each stand shows the highest results
incase of NPV. There isn’t a universal program, which shows only highest results for
all parameters. Each program has its strong and weak sides. Despite good results,
some of successful thinning programs can hardly be applied in North-West Russia
due to the features of Russian forest sector and thinning rules.