Long-term growth response of Norway spruce in different mounding and vegetation control treatments on fine-textured soils

Mechanical site preparation (MSP) is a common practice that precedes the planting of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) in Nordic forests. Mounding has become most used method recent years. This study examined effects different mounding treatments (spot and ditch mounding, inversion, unprepared control with or without herbicide application) mechanical vegetation (MVC) treatment done 3–4 years after on post-planting growth container seedlings their development to saplings during first 11–13 two forest till soils central Finland, one flat terrain other southwest slope. On these fine-textured spot methods favoured development. Inversion plots showed weakest growth. terrain, 11 post planting, were 78–144 cm (38–80%) taller breast height diameters mm (60–74%) thicker for than inversion treatment. sloped differences minor between MSP treatments. MVC improved sites which did not have intensive MSP, especially planted soil reduced density resprouts be removed later pre-commercial thinning. As conclusion, over soil.