Puustotilan

Puustotilan is Finnish forestry terminology describing the current structural and compositional state of a forest stand. It refers to how the stand is arranged in terms of species mix, age distribution, density, and growth potential at a given moment. Puustotilan assessment provides a snapshot that is used for planning and management decisions.

A puustotilan describes several core elements of a stand. These include species composition, the proportions of different tree species, mean diameter at breast height (DBH), average height, and the basal area per hectare. It also covers the growing stock volume per hectare, age structure (dominant age classes), regeneration status, and health indicators such as damage from pests, diseases, or abiotic factors. The stand can be categorized by structure (for example, even-aged or uneven-aged) and by density classes, which influence silvicultural options.

Data for puustotilan are gathered through forest inventories that utilize permanent and temporary sample plots, measurements of DBH and height, and tree counts. Modern assessments may combine traditional field measurements with remote sensing and growth models to estimate volumes and changes over time. The puustotilan is periodically updated, commonly every several years, to reflect growth, mortality, and regeneration.

The concept supports silvicultural planning, including thinning, regeneration decisions, and harvest planning, as well as yield forecasting and sustainable management. It is linked to broader forest statistics systems and site productivity assessments, providing a consistent basis for comparing stands and monitoring forest development.