Classification of trees on the basis of spatial structure when assigning for cutting

Abstract

The technique of classification trees into 3 classes of competition in the assigning for thinning on the basis of indicators of the spatial structure and competitive interactions between the trees. The method was tested on 19 plots materials incorporated at the age of 30 to 70 years in mossy pine forests of artificial origin, evenly spaced on the territory of the Republic of Belarus. The indicators characterizing the spatial structure show the position of a tree specimens in the vertical and horizontal planes. The “gro wth area” of the tree played the role of the horizontal characteristics of wood in relation to other individuals. The indicators characterizing the position of individuals in the vertical plane is the height of the tree. Competition classes of trees were determined based on their position in the vertical plane relative to competitors and the trees received the following names: dominant, medium and oppressed. The advisability of the proposed separation was confirmed by a visually-graphic way, which showed the presence of a clear influence of the spatial structure of the trees on the performance of the stand. Using this classification will increase the pr oductivity of crops by reducing the competition between trees and optimizing the use of the area under the stands.