Long-Term Response of Old-Growth Stands to Varying Levels of Partial Cutting in the Eastside Pine Type

Abstract
An experiment was started in 1938 to compare methods of harvest cutting in the eastside pine type of northeastern California. The study was designed as a randomized block experiment that included 10 blocks with four to six plots per block. Each plot on which a single treatment was applied is 20 ac. Treatments removed approximately 16, 54, 74, and 95% of the original volume. One uncut control plot was established in each block. The plots were remeasured 5, 10, and 20 yr after establishment and again in 1990-1991. During the last 30 yr growth period, net growth of the sawtimber component increased with the intensity of cut and ranged from -6 ft³/ac/yr in the controls to 28 ft³/ac/yr in the 95% removal plots. Net yield during the 50 yr period was highest in the 74% removal plots and averaged 5351 ft³/ac. The number of stems in the small diameter classes has increased four to five times in all treatment plots. We theorize that this influx of small trees has increased the competitive stress and resulting mortality of the old-growth trees. West. J. Appl. For. 10(3):101-108.

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