şi prof.dr. W. Zwölfer - Revista Pădurilor

an issue with important implications in the Romanian forestry: when should halt the application of
thinning?
Abstract
One of the most important decision to make in the silviculture field, with tremendous effects on both efficiency
of wood production and preparation of old stands for natural regeneration by seed, is the moment (age) when thinning
should halt.
In some of the most representative European countries (e.g., France, Germany, Belgium, etc.), since the onset of
Silviculture as a science (mid XIXth century), this moment has been considered as being 10-15 (seldom 20) years
prior to the rotation age.
In Romania, the same approach was used until the beginning of 1970’s when the halt of thinning was considered
as being necessary earlier in the stand’s life. Consequently, according to the last two editions (1986 and 2000) of
the Romanian technical norms on tending operations, thinning should halt when the stand age is maximum 75-80
years (stands designated to sawnwood production) or 100-120 years (veneer logs as target wood assortment).
Taking into account these differences as well as the influences of the moment when thinning should halt on total
wood production as well as timing and quality of natural regeneration, the paper proposes the “re-import” of the
long-time used European approach in Romania and halt of thinning only 10-15 years before the rotation age of forest
stands regardless the function they are due to play.
Keywords: thinning, silvicultural systems, history, Europe, Romania
48 REVISTA PĂDURILOR • Anul 126 • 2011 • Nr. 2