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Thinning increases saw-log values in fast-growing plantations of Acacia hybrid in Vietnam

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 22:07 authored by Christopher BeadleChristopher Beadle, Trieu, DT, Harwood, CE
High stockings at plantation establishment of fast-growing species can lead to rapid compromise of individual tree growth. This study examined the possibility of early thinning for Acacia hybrid to realise saw-log potential defined as log volume >15 cm small-end diameter under-bark at harvest. A 2.5-year-old Acacia hybrid plantation located near Dong Hoi in Central Vietnam and established at 1000 stems ha-1 was subjected to four thinning treatments, namely, an unthinned control (871 stems ha-1 at time of thinning) and 600, 450 and 300 stems ha-1. Significant diameter responses to thinning were observed after 6 months and sustained until at least 2 years after thinning and these were associated with significant differences in total basal area between treatments during the same period. However, by 18 and 25 months after thinning there were no significant differences in periodic basal area increment between treatments. This experiment showed that sites supporting mean annual increment (MAI) >25 m3 ha-1 and thinned to 600 stems ha-1 when the trees had mean diameter at breast height of 9 cm led to about 20% of the commercial log volume reaching minimum saw-log size within 5 years from planting. Our results support the view that thinning Acacia hybrid in these environments can rapidly realise saw-log values and increase the value of these plantations to smallholders.

History

Publication title

Journal of Tropical Forest Science

Volume

25

Pagination

42-51

ISSN

0128-1283

Department/School

Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA)

Publisher

Forest Research Institute Malaysia

Place of publication

Publication Unit, Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 52109

Rights statement

Copyright 2013 Forest Research Institute Malaysia

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Hardwood plantations

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