%0 Research article
%T Growth and recruitment after mountain forest selective cutting in irregular spruce forest. A case study in Northern Norway
%A Øyen, Bernt-Håvard
%A Nilsen, Petter
%D 2004
%J Silva Fennica
%V 38
%N 4
%R doi:10.14214/sf.406
%U https://silvafennica.fi/article/406
%X During the last thirty years the interest for the use of selective  cutting in the sub-alpine spruce forests of Norway has increased.  However, there have been very few investigations on the post harvesting  development after such cuttings. Four plots in irregular Norway spruce  (Picea abies (L.) Karsten) dominated forests on semi-fertile sites in  Northern Norway have been the subjects of a case study. We performed a  reconstruction of the stand development by means of biometric  assessments and ring widths measurements of all standing trees. Tree  ages, stand structure, growth and recruitment were examined. Even though  a hypothetical reverse J-curve for the present diameter distribution  was identified, the four plots were even-aged. Growth reactions indicate  that most of the present sawtimber trees were established after heavy  dimension cuttings in the late 19th century. The recruitment situation  is characterized as satisfying in one of four plots. The post harvesting  mean volume increment on the plots have been about two thirds of the  potential yield estimated from site indices and maximum mean annual  increment in regular stands. Managing strategies for irregular spruce  forest stands are briefly discussed.