Increasing Aspen Production through Mechanical Strip-Thinning (December 1, 1992-May 31, 1993): Monitoring Report
1993
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Increasing Aspen Production through Mechanical Strip-Thinning (December 1, 1992-May 31, 1993): Monitoring Report
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1993
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University of Minnesota, Duluth
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Technical Report
Abstract
This project has five primary research tasks related to the determination of growth and yield of
aspen in response to mechanical strip-thinning; analysis of disease incidence in thinned and
unthinned stands and determination of the costs and economic feasibility of mechanical stripthinning
of aspen. Studies of growth through the 1992 growing season on recently-thinned aspen
stands have shown an average growth increase due to thinning of 15 percent over unthinned
stands. Statistical analysis shows a strong correlation between initial tree size and the magnitude
of the growth response to thinning. Growth of the largest trees in thinned areas is 34 percent
faster than unthinned areas of the stands. Evaluation of site characteristics continues with
textural analyses completed on the majority of soil samples collected to date. Indices of stand
density and initial tree diameter distribution are being developed for the fourteen stands in the
experimental network. Analysis of previously-thinned stands on the Chippewa National Forest
shows that thinned stands have more than twice the merchantable volume than an unthinned
stand at this time. This indicates that the ultimate goal to reduce harvest rotations of aspen by
ten years is likely attainable on some sites in Minnesota. Summary tables describing disease
incidence and severity for all sites have been prepared. Differences between thinned and
unthinned stands in mechanical injury is evident at some sites. Variation in disease incidence
and severity is apparent between sites. Economic analyses have continued with additional
information collected on thinning costs and operational feasibility. Two sites evaluated in the
spring showed extremes of the previously-established range of thinning costs. Costs per acre
were $8.50 at one site and $20 per acre at another. This is due to differences in terrain and
stand composition.
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Grant No. GR91-00044
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Berguson, William E. (1993). Increasing Aspen Production through Mechanical Strip-Thinning (December 1, 1992-May 31, 1993): Monitoring Report. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/256838.
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