Scholarly record

ASSESSMENT OF THE PRODUCTIVITY OF SCOTS PINE (PINUS SYLVESTRIS L.) IN A YOUNG STAND AFTER A SURFACE FIRE

Lāsma Freimane

Abstract

The research aim is to identify the effect of a surface forest fire on the productivity and viability of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in a 23-year-old stand. The research was done two years after a surface fire that occurred in 2015 in a 20-year-old stand, establishing sample plots both in the area subject to the fire and the fire-undamaged area as well as in a pine stand of identical age that had not suffered from a forest fire. The research measured the dendrometric characteristics of trees (height, diameter at breast height) and the height of burn scars as well as extracted wood increment cores by means of a Presler borer to analyse the growth pace of the trees before and after the fire. Increment data were used in a growth model to simulate further development of the stand and assess the potential impact of the fire-event on its economic value. The research acquired data on expected changes in growing stock and the economic value of the stand at the end of the rotation period. The results were presented broken down by research object. The research found that, compared with the pines growing in the fire-undamaged area and the control area, the number of dead and damaged trees in the fire-damaged area of the stand was larger, the volume of growing stock and the average height and diameter there were smaller, as well as the volume and the economic value of growing stock in the future could be projected to be smaller and lower, respectively. The difference in indicator values for pines between the fire-damaged and undamaged areas and consequently absolute and relative increments were statistically significant.

Publication details

Back to publication list