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The practice of uneven-aged silviculture.
Authors: J. C. HalkettPublication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1984, Issue N.Z.J.For. 29(1) 1984, pp 108-118, May 1984
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry
Abstract: The need to choose an appropriate silviculture system for a given set of management goals often poses problems. System selection should be influenced by ecological and silvicultural characteristics of species and forest types, plus site conditions.
Uneven-aged silviculture may be defined as the manipulation of a stand to maintain a continuous high forest cover, provide for regeneration of desired species and the production of timber together with other forest products and benefits. It is based largely on the philosophy that silviculture is dependent on a continuous input of biological knowledge and empirical judgement.
Stands with an all-aged structure and tolerant species composition are suited to uneven-aged silviculture. A diameter distribution goal, residual stocking level and maximum retainable tree size need to be set before uneven-aged silviculture can be practised. It is more complex than is even-aged silviculture. Much of the decision making is intuitive and difficulties have often been encountered. Its use is not an easy solution to forest resource conflicts.