Survival and growth of planted seedlings of Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies after different levels of biomass removal in clear-felling

To determine the effect of different harvest intensities on seedling survival and growth, two stands of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and two of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karat) were harvested at three intensities: conventional stem-only harvest (CH); whole-tree harvest (WTH), and branch and stem harvest with needles left on site (BSH). The stands were then planted with Scots pine and Norway spruce seedlings in a randomized block design. Survival rates were lower in Scots pine following CH compared with WTH and BSH, but Norway spruce was unaffected by the harvest method. In Norway spruce, the mean height and basal area after 15 yrs were lower following WTH compared with CH and BSH. In Scots pine WTH resulted in greater mean height after five yrs at one site. No treatment effects on height were found after 7, 10, and 15 yrs. In contrast, basal area was reduced following WTH compared with CH and BSH after 15 yrs at one site, indicating a treatment effect on stem taper. Species differences in the short-term response to increased biomass harvest are suggested.