An investigation into optimal levels of residual basal area for uneven-aged stands

Abstract

The following report investigates the possibility of the establishment of optimal levels of stocking that will facilitate maximized growth on existing growing stock. The investigation is based upon permanent sample plot data collected in western New Brunswick over the past thirty years. Results indicate the occurance of a trend similar to the classic growth response outlined by Langsaeter (1941), however, the data's limited size and degree of variation prevents the positive identification of optimal stocking levels for any specific set of site characterisitcs. Factors contributing to the wide range of variation in results are identified and discussed as they relate to literature and results. Key Words: diameter distribution, selection cut, sustained yield, optimal stocking