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The research aims to examine the pace of growth of lodgepole pine, the amount of damage caused by biungulates and the quality of trunks for lodgepole pine provenances growing in the western part of Latvia in the areas around Ugale and Kuldiga, identifying the most damage-resistant and promising provenances for cultivation in Latvia. In Latvia, foresters and plant breeders have been working for years to increase the quality and productivity of local tree species, while assessing various forest stand management patt...

The research aims to identify changes in the biometric measurements and demographic structure of game ducks living on Lake Engure. Game management in Latvia as well as the entire Northern Europe is an important segment of the economy, which has rich and ancient traditions. Although a small segment of society perceives game management as the killing of animals, which is not the case, it should be understood that it represents an economic activity resulting in limiting the animal population, which can increase rapid...

One of the long-term goals of the certification systems (FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification)) of sustainably managed forests that provide both social, environmental, and economic benefits is to completely phase out the use of chemical pesticides to protect planting material. It is in the interest of both nurseries and forest owners to find successful alternative, environmentally friendly solutions to safeguard pine saplings against Curculionidae. The stud...

Flow of water and thus access of oxygen to the roots of the trees is ensured by drainage system. Therefore these system had been established, mostly since 1960th and 70th in a third of the forest area of Latvia. It has boosted the overall increment of forests substantially. However, around the same time, also beavers had been reintroduced in territory of our country. Water flow is often stopped by beaver dams. The aim of our case study was to assess the impact of dam removal and ditch reconstruction on the increme...

Wind is by far the most important natural disturbance, shaping the forest composition and age structure in Europe. Birch (Betula spp.) is among the wind-resistant species, especially during the season of extra-tropical cyclone storms, when it typically is in leaf-less state. However, predicted shifts in the frequency and seasonality of storms will affect also this species, therefore modelling of its wind resistance is important. For this purpose, among others, data on wood properties are essential. Typically such ...

Naturally regenerated birch (Betula spp.) stands, to a large extent formed on abandoned agricultural lands, is a notable part of the privately owned forests in Latvia. Birch is fast growing and less frequently affected by abiotic and biotic factors (like dendrophagous insects, cervids, drought) than other main commercial tree species in Latvia. However, wind storms, predicted to increase in frequency in future, is an important risk in birch stands. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the snapping height ...

Intensification of forest management is required due to contrasting trends of growing demand to use renewable materials and boost carbon sequestration, while simultaneously decreasing area of managed forest. Additionally, increasing frequency of natural disturbances creates difficulties to ensure production of high-quality saw-logs. One of the strategies to overcome (or at least minimize) the negative impacts is establishment of low-density plantations, intended for relatively short rotation (c.a. 50 years). Aim o...

Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) regenerates well naturally and is not much affected by different biotic and abiotic factors, except wind. It is increasingly recognized as fast growing species, important for veneer production, thus establishment and management of its stands are promoted. In contrast to coniferous trees, there is much less experience in birch reaction to thinning, thus the optimal management regime. Therefore aim of our study was to assess the influence of thinning on increment of silver birch a...

Windstorms are one of the main factors causing damages in forest in Northern Europe. The damages are especially severe, if the ground during the storm is not frozen and is wet, therefore the trees are less stable. Cyclonic windstorms primarily happens during the winter, and there is a prediction of notable rise of temperature in this period of the year ? thus we can expect more storm damages. It is known, that inside the forest stands specific microclimate exists, affecting also the soil temperature. However, ther...

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands are regenerated by planting, and only small portion (c.a. 13%) by self-seeding in Latvia. Seeds for plant production are collected only in seed orchards ? thus represent the results of tree breeding. Aim of our study was to assess the growth and damages as determined by forest type and genetics in Scots pine stands at the age of first commercial thinning. Tree parameters were measured in Scots pine open-pollinated progeny trials on mineral soils, differing by fertility (poor...

Hybrid larch is fast growing and more wind-resistant than Norway spruce; thus, it might be a suitable alternative to reduce (diversify) the forest management risks in context of climate changes. However, interest to use this species in forest regeneration, recently higher than before, is still limited. In part it is related to lack of experience and information on its growth. Therefore aim of our study was to characterize growth of Larix x eurolepis young stands in Latvia. Sample plots were placed in 7 stands of t...