Stand structure alterations in forest stands

Abstract

Forest stands are usually classified according to regime (high forest or coppice), structure (even-aged or uneven-aged) and composition (pure or mixed). Through time there were shifts between the preferred stand structure frequently due to the desired productions; coppices for small dimension timber and high forest for large dimension ones, pure even-aged for a more uniform timber dimensions and quality and mixed or uneven-aged for when both timber and services were the target production. The alteration of regime (conversion of regime), structure (conversion of structure) and composition (transformation) has a long history in forestry. Overall, all regimes, structures and compositions contribute to the sustainability and diversity of the forest and their products and services. The alteration of stand structure varies from simple to very complex and from short to long term. The focus should be directed to a suite of guidelines, flexible models of silviculture and monitoring to enable adapting the silvicultural practices, especially during the transition phase from one stand structure to another.