Thinning of broadleaf/conifer mixtures

Objective

To establish a minimum of 3 experimental sites that can be used to produce tending and thinning guidelines for current conifer / broadleaf mixtures
To investigate the products available from thinnings of conifer / broadleaf mixtures

WP 4a – State-of-the-Art

A comprehensive literature review will be conducted, making use of the internet and available abstracts databases.
All literature collected will be entered into a database (EndNote) and filed.
A review of unpublished work undertaken in Ireland will be carried out.
NATFOREX database will be interrogated to source existing national trials to visit.

WP4b – Timing and Intensity of Thinning

Source a minimum of 3 suitable sites (Forest Service Inspectors and Teagasc Forestry Development Officers will be instrumental)
With regard to information gained from WP4a, establish plots (months 6 – 42)
- Possible treatments may include removal of all nurse crop, removal of alternate lines of nurse crop
- Possible treatments may include thinning when nurse is 1m, 3m and 5m taller than crop species
- Endeavour to use recognised experimental designs and plots of sufficient size to facilitate long-term research in conjunction with demonstration
Measure and monitor plots to end of project
- Survival; Stem diameter; Stem height; Stem form
Manage the trial sites to end of project

WP4c – Products from Thinnings

A comprehensive literature review will be conducted, making use of the internet and available abstracts databases. All literature collected will be entered into a database (EndNote) and filed.
Visits to existing producers using small-dimension roundwood from thinnings, both nationally and internationally, will be conducted and reported upon.
Links with WP4a and WP5c.

WP4d – Thinning Protocols

This WP depends on the results of WP4b and WP4c. Thinning Protocols will only be produced if there is sufficient data and reliable results to form the protocols.

Draft Thinning Protocols will be derived by the Programme team and distributed for comment to industry
Final Thinning Protocols will be produced and disseminated