%0 Research article
%T Effect of early thinning on the diameter growth distribution along the stem of Scots pine
%A Peltola, Heli
%A Miina, Jari
%A Rouvinen, Ismo
%A Kellomäki, Seppo
%D 2002
%J Silva Fennica
%V 36
%N 4
%R doi:10.14214/sf.523
%U https://silvafennica.fi/article/523
%X The absolute and relative effects of the first thinning on the diameter  growth distribution along the stems were studied in 98 Scots pines  (Pinus sylvestris L.) at heights of 1.3, 4, 6 and 8 m. The data cover  one 3-year pre-thinning period and four 3-year post-thinning periods in  plots with densities varying from 575 to 3400 stems ha–1. A shift in the  point of maximum diameter growth down the bole was found during the  first 3 years after thinning, with a shift back up the stem later. The  thinning response over the whole 12-year post-thinning period was  strongest the nearer the stem base and the heavier the thinning. The  largest trees had the highest diameter growth after thinning in absolute  terms, and the growth was greater the heavier the thinning. The  absolute thinning response over the 12-year post-thinning period was  highest in the medium tree size and in the largest trees, especially on  the heavily thinned and lightly thinned plots. Whereas in the moderately  thinned stand the smaller and larger trees responded more than did  those of medium size on average. In relative sense, however, the small  trees on heavily or moderately thinned plots responded more rapidly and  more strongly than the medium-sized or large trees over the whole stem.  The small trees on the lightly thinned plots responded only slightly to  thinning. The results suggest that it is possible to affect the  uniformity of wood properties (such as ring width) both within and  between trees by thinning.