Comparative Analysis of Thinning Techniques in Garchinsky Forestry

Thinning treatment is a necessary and complex forestry activity. The experimental results from plantations established 20-30 years ago and explains some concepts of the theory, practice, methods, and regime of thinning on the permanent sample plots of pine stands in Gatchinsky forestry of the Leningrad region were shown in this article. Choosing the right thinning method allows to optimize the yield, productivity and mortality of the stand. On the other hand, we observed improved merchantability of the stand, reduced time for forestation, and simplified thinning programs. Crown thinning is a less preferred method than bottom thinning, as it leads to a deterioration in the quality of trees and an increase in their mortality. The inexpediency of preliminary thinning of trees has been established. Tree thinning results in an improvement in the quality of the remaining stand, as nutrient utilization is greatly increased. Tree thinning must necessarily be combined with fertilization. Thinning without fertilization and fertilization without thinning show the worst results. In general, findings of this article can be used to improve approach of thinning treatment in the Leningrad or other regions in the North of Russian Federation.