The Tending of Pinus radiata in Southland

Authors: C.H. Brown
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1959, Issue N.Z.J.For. 8(4) 1962, pp 623-640, Jan 1962
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: The objects of management for Pinus radiata (D.Don) in Southland Conservancy are the production of the maximum volume of high quality sawlogs and of veneer logs. To achieve these objects, a silvicultural schedule has been developed to:
(a)   maintain as high a rate of volume increment as possible; .
(b)   maintain deep green crowns, preferably down to the level of the pruned logs;
(c)   restrict to five or six inches the diameter of the knotty core in pruned logs.
The schedule, as defined in terms of top height and stems per acre (s.p.a.), is:
Top            Thinning   
height   Age   Pruning regime   (residual   Yields
(It)   (years)   (height and s.p.a.)   s.p.a.)   (cu.ft p.a.)
16   5   to 6 ft   250-300 stems      
24   7   6-12 ft   70-100 stems   -   -
29   8   12-18 ft   70-100 stems   -   -
36   10   18-24 ft   70 stems   250   Minor produce
45   12   24-32 ft   70 stems   -   -
57   15      -   160   900
73   19      -   100   1.100
95   27      -   70   1,500
120   40          Clearfell Total yield   9,800 13,300
The thinning regime, from the second thinning onwards, is hypothetical, and is deduced from the stocking necessary to:
(a)   maintain deep green crowns;
(b)   provide sufficient growing space to maintain the maximum rate of diameter growth;
(c)   fully utilise the overall productive potential of the site.
* Asst. Conservator, N.Z. Forest Service
623

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