Long-term response to thinning in a beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) coppice stand under conversion to high forest in Central Italy
Author(s)
Date Issued
2016
Type
article
Abstract
European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests have a long history of coppicing, but the majority of formerly managed coppices are currently under conversion to high forest. The long time required
to achieve conversion requires a long-term perspective to fully understand the implication of the
applied conversion practices. In this study, we showed results from a long-term (1992–2014) casestudy
comparing two management options (natural evolution and periodic thinning) in a beech
coppice in conversion to high forest. Leaf area index, litter production, radiation transmittance and growth eficiency taken as relevant stand descriptors, were estimated using both direct and
indirect optical methods. Overall, results indicated that beech coppice showed positive and prompt
responses to active conversion practices based on periodic medium-heavy thinning. A growth eficiency index showed that tree growth increased as the cutting intensity increased. Results from the case study supported the effectiveness of active conversion management from an economic
(timber harvesting) and ecological (higher growth eficiency) point of view.
Citation
Chianucci, F. et al. 2016. Long-term response to thinning in a beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) coppice stand under conversion to high forest in Central Italy. "Silva Fennica" 50 (3)
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