Management of spontaneously regenerated mixed stands of birch and Norway spruce in Sweden

Timber production and profitability were evaluated for spontaneously-regenerated mixtures on two formerly clearcut areas. The abandoned areas developed into birch-dominated ( Roth Ehrh.) stands with successional ingrowth of Norway spruce (L.) H. Karst.). An experiment randomized treatments within blocks was established, using three management strategies one unthinned control, resulting in variation optimal rotation age, merchantable volume species composition. based total (volume) by measured growth data 42 years after clearcutting the modelled future stand development. long-term effects spontaneous regeneration land expectation value (LEV) compared a fifth strategy artificial intense thinnings. 12 treatment, at age years, control had produced highest stem volume. At interest rates 2% or higher, unmanaged forest an economically viable strategy, even to intensive preferred timber species. Interest clearly impacted different strategies. This study shows that when is successful dense, first competition release can have high impact development crop trees mixture.Betula pendulaBetula pubescensPicea abies