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Thinning Planted Radiata Pine to Waste in State Forestry
Authors: J.R. TunstinPublication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1969, Issue N.Z.J.For. 14(2) 1969, pp 210-218, Aug 1969
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry
Abstract: State forestry should establish the most profitable compromise between quality and quantity production. Management can use the operation of thinning-to-waste to manipulate stand quality production, quantity production and production cost. The benefits, although recognized, have not been quantified. Any gains from an intermediate harvest must be balanced against interference with main crop quality, restriction in growth of the final crop element, and the cost of delayed main crop returns. This cost can be formidable and far outweigh the value of production thinnings. Lower initial stockings and genetically improved stock would greatly facilitate many stages of wood production, including thinning. Thinning-to-waste must be carried out with precision. The advantages of severance methods would appear to outweigh any cost savings achieved by poisoning methods.