Abstract

MARTINEZ PASTUR, Guillermo et al. Changes in growing pattern and stem quality due to high intensity thinning in a stand of Nothofagus pumilio in initial growing development phase. Ecol. austral [online]. 2001, vol.11, n.2, pp.95-104. ISSN 1667-782X.

Nothofagus pumilio (Poepp. et Endl.) Krasser is the most important forest native species in Patagonia. There are many assays and silvicultural schedules for the species, but any of them are based on long-term data. The aim of the present study was to analyze the development (increment and tree quality) of a stand in its initial growth phase under silvicultural management in a forest on a site of medium-high quality in Tierra del Fuego (Argentina). Early silvicultural cuts allowed us to double the diameter increment (0.23 to 0.45 cm/year) and to elevate the volumetric increment of the stand by 50%. However, tree quality was strongly diminished. After thinning, only trees with good stem quality remained, but 14 years later good-quality trees represented only 17% of individuals. The pruning is required alongside thinning during the first stages of stand growth. Nothofagus pumilio is a species with great potential productivity, and with desirable characteristics to incorporate it in an intensive forest management program, which is analyzed and discussed.

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