Epsilon Open Archive

Abstract

In the beginning of 1990 a study on ingrowth of broadleaves on abandoned farm land was started. The studied stands were located between latitude 58° and 65° N. Downy birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.), silver birch (Betula pendula Roth), European aspen (Populus tremula L.), black alder (Alnus glutinosa Gaertner), grey alder (Alnus incana Moench) and sallow (Salix caprea L.) were studied. The stands were 4-36 years old. Maps were made on some stands describing the pattern of the number of trees on different distance from the edge of the farm land from where the mature broadleaf tree spread the seeds or pentrated their roots into the farm land. Amount of biomass per hectare and for the specific stand area are presented. The presented biomass production for the studied species was: 4.7-47.7 tons ha-1 for downy birch; 4.5-174.7 for silver birch; 16.4-221.5 for European aspen; 2.0-136.4 for black alder; 0.9-139.8 for grey alder and 57.7-63.7 tons ha-1 for sallow. The size of the stand area differed: 0.04-2.0 ha. Among the species 2 stands of downy birch produced ≥ 10 tons ha-1; 3 stands of silver birch; 4 stands of European aspen; 2 stands of black alder and 6 stands of grey alder. Some practical implications of the study are discussed.