A new approach to defining rotation ages on the basis of productive and technological aspects. Application to natural Pinus sylvestris L. stands in Central Spain

  • Alberto Rojo-Alboreca Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Escola Politécnica Superior, Dept. Enxeñaría Agroforestal, Unidade de Xestión Forestal Sostible, Campus Terra s/n, 27002 Lugo http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8884-4317
  • Juan D. García-Villabrille Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Escola Politécnica Superior, Dept. Enxeñaría Agroforestal, Unidade de Xestión Forestal Sostible, Campus Terra s/n, 27002 Lugo
  • José J. Corral-Rivas Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, Río Papaloapan y Blvd., Durango s/n, Col. Valle del Sur, 34120 Durango
  • Ricardo Alía INIA, Centro de Investigación Forestal, Autopista A-6, km 7.5, 28040 Madrid
  • Gregorio Montero INIA, Centro de Investigación Forestal, Autopista A-6, km 7.5, 28040 Madrid
Keywords: Scots pine, price index, veneer timber, yield tables, diameter distributions

Abstract

Aim of study: To propose a new approach to defining rotation ages on the basis of productive and technological aspects and to present an example of application of the methodology to natural Pinus sylvestris stands in relation to silvicultural treatment (light or heavy thinning) and site index.

Area of study: Central Spain.

Material and methods: We assumed that the price per m3 of logwood suitable for veneer is four times higher than logwood not apt for veneer. Considering the yield distribution for different technological and commercial classes, a model of diameter distributions and yield tables, the variation in an average price index for different age classes, site indexes and silvicultural treatments was calculated. The age at which the price index rises by less than 3%, the proportion of trees with d.b.h. higher than 40 cm, and other aspects such as the possible presence of fungal decay in old-growth stands were also taken into account to establish three criteria for defining rotation ages.

Main results: The proposed methodology generates a wide range of rotation ages between 100 and 140 years for lightly thinned stands, and between 90 and 140 years for heavily thinned stands, depending on the site index.

Research highlights: The proposed approach is based on technological and productive criteria, with the limitations imposed by sanitary risks. The methodology can be applied to generate rotation ages in relation to different site indexes and silvicultural treatments, provided that the timber market prices and the yield distribution for different technological and commercial classes are known, and that a model of diameter distributions and yield tables are available.

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References

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Published
2017-10-20
How to Cite
Rojo-Alboreca, A., García-Villabrille, J. D., Corral-Rivas, J. J., Alía, R., & Montero, G. (2017). A new approach to defining rotation ages on the basis of productive and technological aspects. Application to natural Pinus sylvestris L. stands in Central Spain. Forest Systems, 26(2), e03S. https://doi.org/10.5424/fs/2017262-10628
Section
SPECIAL SECTION MEDITERRANEAN SILVICULTURE: HOMAGE TO GREGORIO MONTERO