Predicting the effects of different harvesting regimes on productivity and yield in northern hardwoods

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Abstract
Projected levels of nitrogen availability resulting from seven different harvesting regimes in northern hardwoods were used as inputs to a forest growth model. Results were analysed in terms of differences in net production and total yield by treatment. Production was highest under long (90-year) rotations and was reduced under short (45- and 30-year) rotations. Intensive harvesting (whole tree and complete forest cutting) removed a greater percentage of net production than clear-cutting. Complete forest utilization on a 90-year rotation produced the greatest total yield assuming that all harvesting treatments had the same effect on rates of regeneration and successional changes in litter input to the forest floor.