harvenduslõigete

Harvenduslõikete is an Estonian term referring to forest thinning operations. It is a silvicultural practice involving the selective removal of trees from a forest stand. The primary goals of harvenduslõikete are to improve the growth rate, health, and quality of the remaining trees. By reducing competition for resources such as light, water, and nutrients, the selected trees can develop more vigorously.

There are generally two main types of harvenduslõikete: early thinning and later thinning. Early thinning is performed in young stands, typically when trees are in their pole stage, and aims to establish a desired spacing and remove undesirable individuals like those with poor form or disease. Later thinning is carried out in more mature stands and focuses on selecting the best-quality trees to foster their development into valuable timber.

Harvenduslõikete can also contribute to biodiversity by creating a more varied forest structure, opening up the canopy to allow light to reach the forest floor, which can encourage the growth of understory vegetation. The harvested wood from thinning operations can be used for various purposes, including pulpwood, firewood, or smaller lumber products. Proper planning and execution of harvenduslõikete are crucial for achieving the intended silvicultural and economic benefits while maintaining the ecological integrity of the forest.