DERIVATION OF THINNING REGIMES THROUGH USE OF A MODEL FOR BALSAM FIR IN QUEBEC

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Abstract
A thinning regime was derived through use of a model developed to grow balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) trees at any desired size between the limits set by normal and open stand densities. Interpolations were made between the normal number of trees in fully-stocked even-aged balsam fir stands and the number at which crowns of fully open-grown individual balsam fir just close at square spacing. The increase in the number of trees in a fully-stocked balsam fir stand of a given average d.b.h. being little influenced by site was used to establish the basis for the thinning regime. The simple regime prescribes a pre-commercial and two commercial thinnings, and a regeneration cutting when the stand reaches about 7 inches in d.b.h. From comparisons of the amount of growing stock of the hypothetical thinned stands with that of unmanaged fully-stocked stands, it would seem that a managed stand of balsam fir might carry a basal area per acre of 49, 58, and 75 per cent of the unmanaged stands at average d.b.h.'s of 3, 5 and 7 inches respectively.

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