Red beech managemnet; implications from early growth plots

Authors: D.J. Evans, R.J. Jackson
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1972, Issue N.Z.J.For. 17(2) 1972, pp 189-200, Aug 1972
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Growth rates of red beech (Nothofagus fusca) pole stands in the Grey and Inangahua River valleys are greater on hill country than on the lower glacial and river terraces. Well-drained hill sites have yielded a mean annual increment of 10.5 m3/ha over a 70-year period, compared with 7.0 m3/ha on terraces. Early thinning of regeneration will lead to reduction in rotation length where the aim is to produce sawlogs or pulpwood. Delay in thinning results in considerable mortality and slow diameter growth. On the terraces it is possible, by carrying out one non-commercial and three commercial thinnings, to reduce the rotation for sawlog production to 90 years. This could be reduced further if smaller diameter roundwood could be utilized.

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