Exploring the silvicultural and economic viability of gap cutting in Mediterranean softwood plantations  

作　　者：Roberto MERCURIO Raffaele SPINELLI 

机构地区：[1]Department of Agricultural and Forest Systems Management,Mediterranean University,Feo di Vito,89122 Reggio Calabria,Italy [2]CNR IVALSA,Via Madonna del Piano 10,Sesto Fiorentino (FI),Italy

出　　处：《Forestry Studies in China》2012年第1期63-69,共7页中国林学（英文版）

基　　金：supported by the Giunta Regionale delVeneto-Servizi Forestali Regionali di Verona andby the Regione Calabria-Ministero dell'Istruzione,dell'Universitàe della Ricerca

摘　　要：Gap cutting consists of the removal of all trees growing on a small surface, varying in size from 200 to 600 m2. In Italy, gap cutting has been successfully tested for introducing the natural regeneration of native species into softwood plantations, thus ac- celerating the transition towards climax hardwood stands. Depending on plantation types and conditions, gap cutting should be start- ed at an age between 70 and 80 years and the system should include at least 12 to 15 gaps, in order to produce enough wood to cover costs. Generally, natural regeneration is firmly established within 5-7 years from treatment. Gap cutting also offers superior results to selection thinning, the latter producing about 35% less value and incurring 25% to 30% more costs. As for all regeneration cuts, the success of gap cutting depends on wildlife control in order to prevent extensive damage to the regeneration.Gap cutting consists of the removal of all trees growing on a small surface, varying in size from 200 to 600 m2. In Italy, gap cutting has been successfully tested for introducing the natural regeneration of native species into softwood plantations, thus ac- celerating the transition towards climax hardwood stands. Depending on plantation types and conditions, gap cutting should be start- ed at an age between 70 and 80 years and the system should include at least 12 to 15 gaps, in order to produce enough wood to cover costs. Generally, natural regeneration is firmly established within 5-7 years from treatment. Gap cutting also offers superior results to selection thinning, the latter producing about 35% less value and incurring 25% to 30% more costs. As for all regeneration cuts, the success of gap cutting depends on wildlife control in order to prevent extensive damage to the regeneration.

关 键 词：gap cutting REGENERATION plantations ECONOMICS technology 

分 类 号：S718[农业科学—林学]