A study conducted at SLU concluded that the most important forestry strategy for preventing spruce bark beetle attacks is to reduce the presence of large spruce trees in the landscape.
In this study, different management strategies (see fact box) were simulated using data models to study how the forest would evolve over the next 70 years. The goal was to find out which methods are most successful in preventing widespread spruce bark beetle infestation. Researchers also weighed in on the impact on timber production.
The results showed that shorter cycle times and mixed forests were most suitable for reducing the forest's vulnerability to spruce bark beetle attack. In order to minimize attacks and at the same time be able to maximize cutting, a combination of other strategies was the best approach.
Diversity is important
– We simulated different management strategies and then saw that the best way to respond to attacks was to reduce the number of large spruce trees in the landscape. This is likely due to the fact that spruce bark beetles prefer to build their nests in spruce trees of larger diameter so that they have more room to turn to lay eggs and the larvae can develop more easily, says Teresa López Andujar-Fostel, Ph.D. student at SLU, said in a news release.
According to the study, the best way to protect oneself from spruce bark beetle attacks is through a combination of management strategies. But there are also other things that are important to consider when it comes to forests, says SLU co-author Janet Eggers.
– Not least regarding the risks of the type of damage that is expected to increase with climate change. So it's important to think ahead about forests, and there's a lot of research showing that diversity is a key factor. But it is also difficult to predict the future due to climate change. However, more and more research shows that increasing diversity in forests is good for preventing various problems, she says.
Different management strategies were simulated:
1. Mixed forest: tract planting where leaves are preferred in cutting and thinning operations to create a mixed forest.
2. Shorter Time Period: Planting where the minimum allowable final cutting age is up to ten percent less than required by Forest Service law. Do not thin.
3. Longer time period: Agricultural tract farms where the minimum permitted final cutting age is at least 20 percent higher than required by Forest Service law.
4. Forest continuity: No final cutting. The forest is managed through frequent grease rings.
You will find the entire thesis here.
The article was published on Wednesday, October 2, 2024
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