%0 Research article
%T Sawn timber properties of Scots pine as affected by initial stand density, thinning and pruning: a simulation based approach
%A Ikonen, Veli-Pekka
%A Kellomäki, Seppo
%A Peltola, Heli
%D 2009
%J Silva Fennica
%V 43
%N 3
%R doi:10.14214/sf.197
%U https://silvafennica.fi/article/197
%X The aim of this work was to analyze how different management schedules  with varying initial stand density, thinning and artificial pruning of  branches affect the quality, quantity and value of sawing yield in Scots  pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). For this purpose, an integrated model  system was employed and further developed to simulate: i) the three  dimensional structure of the crown and stem of an average tree grown in a  stand related to the changes in the within-stand light conditions as  caused by the stand management, and ii) the sawing of logs into pieces  and their quality grading based on the size and number of living and  dead knots on the surfaces of sawn pieces. To maximize the quality of  sawn timber, relatively dense stand is desired in the early phase of the  rotation to reduce, especially in the lower part of stem, the growth of  branches, and to increase the rate of dying and pruning-off of  branches. In the later phase, a relatively sparse stand is desired to  increase the self-pruning of branches and the occlusion of knots.  However, in any case, artificial pruning is needed to maximize the  knot-free zone of the stem. Also the value optimization of individual  sawn pieces affects the quality and value of sawn timber. Because, only  average tree was simulated, the differences between scenarios for stem  volume were small. In the future, further model development is needed to  analyze the development of crown and stem properties of trees with  different status in a stand.