%0 Research article
%T Optimising the management of a heterogeneous stand
%A Pukkala, Timo
%A Miina, Jari
%D 2005
%J Silva Fennica
%V 39
%N 4
%R doi:10.14214/sf.364
%U https://silvafennica.fi/article/364
%X The study presents a method for taking the heterogeneity of the stand  into account in the optimisation of stand management. Heterogeneity  refers to within-stand variation in stand density and/or other  characteristics. A set of plots, corresponding to different sub-areas of  the stand, represents the stand in calculations. Cuttings and other  treatments of the plots are done simultaneously. The method was used to  analyse how the optimal management depends on the heterogeneity of a  Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris  L.) stand. The results supported the hypothesis that the heterogeneity  of a stand decreases its optimal prior-thinning density. Also the  remaining stand basal areas were lower in heterogeneous stands,  especially in spruce. The effect of stand heterogeneity prior to the  first commercial thinning still affected the timing of the second  thinning, which had to be conducted earlier and at lower prior-thinning  basal areas in heterogeneous stands. This happened despite the fact that  the first thinning greatly decreased the within-stand variation in  stand basal area. In addition, heterogeneity decreased the soil  expectation value, net income and timber harvests.