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Conventional forestry with different felling patterns performed at regular intervals
Silvicultural system | Rotation length | Regeneration method | Thinning | Felling | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Uniform system | As with a Clear Fell system, except the old crop is cleared by two or more successive regeneration fellings | May be planted on larger areas or if the species composition of the wood is being changed. Otherwise, will often use natural regeneration from seed (“Shelterwood” systems) | May take place throughout the lifetime of the crop. Thinning may be systematic (eg every third tree) or selective (eg the 20% of trees with the poorest form) | Even opening of the canopy (eg fell every other tree) | Similar to a progressively heavy thinning. Allows the natural regeneration of the woodland from seed from the remaining trees (rather than planting) where possible |
Group system | Opening of the canopy in scattered gaps | Gaps are expanded in successive fellings. Allows the natural regeneration of the woodland from seed from the remaining trees (rather than planting) where possible | |||
Irregular shelterwood system | Opening of the canopy irregular and gradual | A system of successive regeneration fellings similar to a group system with particular emphasis on the sustained output of good quality timber, and regeneration of native species mixtures | |||
Strip and wedge system | A systematic series of fellings in narrow strips (often towards the prevailing wind direction) | Reduces the risk of wind damage to a crop, and allows natural regeneration |
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