%0 Journal Article
%T M ningate kiirekasvuliste lehtpuupuistute kasv ja produktsiooniv ime endisel p llumaal
%A Veiko Uri
%A Jščrgen Aosaar
%A Mats Varik
%A Merit Kund
%J Forestry Studies / Metsanduslikud Uurimused
%@ 1736-8723
%D 2010
%I 
%R 10.2478/v10132-011-0080-z
%X In the middle of 1990s considerable amount of abandoned agricultural land came into existence in Estonia. Such areas are often characterized by rapid occupation by pioneer tree species (alders, silver birch, willows) which has led to an increase of woodland area. During the last decade several studies about afforestation of former agricultural areas are published. From the point of view of biomass production and afforestation of abandoned agricultural areas fast growing deciduous tree species (alders, birches, aspens, willows) are most prospective. Current paper presents the overview of above-ground biomass production of grey alder, hybrid alder and silver birch stands growing on abandoned agricultural lands. In case of alders and silver birch the results of the periods of 16- and 6-years, respectively, are reported. In all cases the stand above-ground biomass and biomass production were estimated on the bases of model trees. Growing stock of 16-years-old grey alder stand was 250 m3 ha-1 and CAI 35.6 m3 ha-1 which are high values for Estonian conditions and also compared to results reported from Nordic and Baltic countries. Due to fast growth and high biomass production capacity grey alder is promising tree species for short-rotation forestry in Estonia. Young grey alder stands in Estonia have a potential to grow faster than published yield tables are reflecting. Hybrid alder is also proved to be productive tree species, although not exceeding the respective values of grey alders. Stem volume and CAI of the 16-year-old hybrid alder stand was 155 m3 ha-1 and 21 m3 ha-1, respectively. Our studies have supported earlier results in literature. Rotation period for hybrid alder is longer than for grey alder and the peak of CAI will occur later. Data reflecting growth and yield of hybrid alder are very scarce in the literature. According to earlier results and literature data, the productivity of young silver birch stands on abandoned agricultural areas is very variable, depending mainly on soil conditions and stand density. One productive 13-year-old silver birch stand, growing on abandoned agricultural land has been studied. Growing stock in the stand was 118 m3 ha-1 and CAI 15 m3 ha-1, which exceeded respective values of several birch yield tables. Biomass production capability of silver birch stands in favourable conditions can be high. Taking into account silvicultural properties and economical value of timber, probably the most suitable tree species for afforestation abandoned agricultural lands is silver birch.
%K Alnus incana
%K Alnus hybrida
%K Betula pendula
%K biomass production
%K abandoned agricultural land
%U http://versita.metapress.com/content/hx5ur5132ql50922/?p=2007471cf2a54d23a852890fad7c55c5&pi=1