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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 ...

Share of birch is increasing in hemiboreal forests mainly due to its superior natural regeneration capabilities and afforestation of abandoned agricultural lands. It is more wind-firm than Norway spruce, thus it could be even more favoured in context of climate changes, linked to worsening wind climate in this region. Historically, target species of forest management had been coniferous trees. Therefore, aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of thinning regime on net present value of birch stands. Sample plo...

Climate change is affecting forests both directly ? via increased frequency and/or severity of meteorological conditions, impacting tree growth and/or survival (e.g. wind storms, drought spells etc.) ? and indirectly ? via improved conditions for diseases and pests. Also interaction between the biotic and abiotic factors plays an important role. It is important to consider these circumstances in forest management policies to ensure that forest owners remain interested (financially motivated) in forest management. ...