Spatial distribution of injuries to Norway spruce advance growth after selection harvesting

Injuries and mortality to advance growth (saplings) after selection harvesting was studied in 17 multistoried Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) stands. Harvest removals ranged from 33 to 67% of initial basal area. Four of the stands were harvested with a motor-manual method (chain saw and skidding with farm tractors; M–FT). The remaining stands were harvested with single-grip harvesters and forwarders (H–FW). In each stand, injury rates were evaluated on a 24 × 48 m plot, located between the centre lines of two parallel strip roads that were spaced 24 m apart. All logging teams had at least 5 years of experience in clear-cutting and thinning operations. The trees to be removed and the strip road centre lines were marked prior to harvest. Mortality varied from 5 to 51%, whereas total injury (injured + dead saplings) varied from 17 to 76%. Mortality and injury levels were generally highest on H–FW plots. Crown reduction and leaning stems were the most frequent types of injury, regardless of operating method. Injury rates increased with sapling height with the H–FW method, whereas the opposite was found on M–FT plots. Saplings without preharvest damage in the form of top or leader defects had a higher probability of being injured than saplings with such damage in stands harvested with the M–FT method. A similar difference was not found on H–FW plots. A logistic regression model shows that the spatial risk of injury depends on the interaction between forest condition factors and operational characteristics. Forest condition factors influencing the risk of injury are sapling height and the location of saplings relative to larger residual trees and strip roads. Corresponding operational characteristics are operating method and harvest intensity.