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SNAPPING HEIGHT OF YOUNG BIRCH AND ITS IMPACT TO FINANCIAL LOSSES FOR THE FOREST OWNER
Abstract
Naturally regenerated birch (Betula spp.) stands, to a large extent formed on abandoned agricultural lands, is a notable part of the privately owned forests in Latvia. Birch is fast growing and less frequently affected by abiotic and biotic factors (like dendrophagous insects, cervids, drought) than other main commercial tree species in Latvia. However, wind storms, predicted to increase in frequency in future, is an important risk in birch stands. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the snapping height of young birch stands in private forests and the financial losses caused by the damage. Information of the wind snapped trees was obtained from LSFRI Silava and height of damage was measured for 113 trees, with diameter at breast height (DBH) between 8 and 16 cm, in different private properties. Trees in naturally regenerated stands on relatively fertile (in comparison to other forest types) mineral soils with normal moisture regime or drained (corresponding to forest types Oxalidosa, Aegopodiosa and Myrtillosa mel., Mercurialiosa mel., respectively) were selected. Height of the damaged trees was measured as a sum of length of remaining high-stump and broken top, where possible, or estimated from the height curve of the specific stand. Value loss of the damaged wood was assessed as a difference in assortment price in comparison to timber from an undamaged tree of the same dimensions. Trees with DBH 8.1 to 12 cm had the mean snapping height at 5.3±1.0 m. For the larger trees significant differences between sites with normal moisture regime and drained soils were found and the height was 8.1±1.5 and 4.4±1.3 m, respectively, even so the mean DBH in both groups of trees was not significantly different. Consequently, higher financial damages were caused in stands on drained mineral soils, where the most valuable logs were affected. Overall, the wind damage caused value loss of 28 to 37% from the total stem value. Preventive measures to increase resistance of trees against wind damages can provide a notable financial benefit for the private forest owners.
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