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Analysis of Selection-Cutting Silviculture with Thujopsis dolabrata—A Case Study from Japan Compared to German Plenter Forests

Authors :
Leonie Műnzer
Kazuhiko Masaka
Yuko Takisawa
Sebastian Hein
Christoph End
Hisashi Sugita
Daisuke Hoshino
Source :
Forests, Vol 14, Iss 8, p 1556 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2023.

Abstract

(1) Background: In Japan, single-tree selection-cutting silviculture with hiba (Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondai) is a traditional silvicultural system and is well documented. We evaluated an experimental forest regarding past structural dynamics and future development while comparing it to the German multilayer coniferous “Plenterwald/plenter forest”. (2) Methods: Classical growth and yield data were recorded since 1995 from two hiba-mixed species plots, one managed since Matsukawa’s (the founder) times in 1931 and the other unmanaged since 40–50 years before 1931. (3) Results: Clear structural differences appeared, with the managed plot having a reverse J-shaped DBH and tree height distribution curve, and a higher percentage of hiba, also typical for German plenter forests’ intensely multi-storied structure. The unmanaged plot was composed of trees with large stem diameters, even though they were more evenly distributed, together with less admixed species. In both plots, the growing stock increased in the past. While the managed plot’s growing stock in 2019 was 561 m3 ha−1, the unmanaged plot reached 982 m3 ha−1 with large portions accumulated in DBH classes >60 cm. (4) Conclusions: When compared to today’s clearcutting system in Japan, selection silviculture shows advantages and may thus serve as a valuable inspiration for silviculture in Japan as it was with plenter forestry for Germany.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
19994907
Volume :
14
Issue :
8
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Forests
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.b82cde64e774a2cb67898dadee144c0
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/f14081556