Canadian Forest Service Publications
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Growth, development, and yield of mixed-wood stands in Alberta following partial cutting of white spruce. 1996. Bella, I.E.; Gál, J. Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Northwest Region, Northern Forestry Centre, Edmonton, Alberta. Information Report NOR-X-346.
Abstract
In 1951 and 1952, 121 permanent sample plots were established at 16 locations in mixed stands of white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) and trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.), which had undergone partial cutting that had removed the largest white spruce. These stands were re-examined in 1962 and 1993 to assess growth rates and productivity of mixed stands after partial cutting and determine whether a similar harvesting technique would ensure future harvests of white spruce. This study, based on plot data and increment core measurements of spruce sample trees, showed generally excellent diameter and volume growth response by the residual spruce. Wind damage was the main cause of mortality and averaged about 1.8% per year in terms of residual spruce volume. A multiple regression model with four independent variables fitted to the data provided reasonable predictions of spruce merchantable volume yield for similar stands. A model with two independent variables (residual spruce volume and years since logging) explained 74.1% of the variation in postlogging merchantable spruce volume yield. Highly variable mortality among deciduous trees prevented the development of practical volume prediction models for that component.
