Analysis of Tree Growth Characteristics by First and Second Thinning in Korean White Pine Plantations

This study was conducted to provide basic information for the development of silvicultural guidelines and manuals. This was achieved through analysis of tree and stand characteristics according to the first and second thinning in Korean white pine plantations. Data were collected from permanent plots installed at Korean white pine plantations according to thinning intensity, and residual tree and stand variables, including diameter at breast height (DBH), volume, and mortality at age 19–43, were analyzed using data repeatedly collected in 4-5 measurements by experiments. According to one-way variance of analysis, tree DBH and volume were significantly different according to thinning intensity (p<0.05). DBH distribution was skewed to the left side over time as thinning intensity was heavier. Thus, tree DBH values were larger in heavy thinning plots with increased age. The periodic annual increment (PAI) of DBH was higher with heavier thinning intensity and fewer years after thinning. The PAI range by thinning intensity was 0.48–0.95 cm/year at age 19–24. In addition, the PAI increased in heavy thinning plots after the second thinning; The PAI range by thinning intensity was 0.29–0.67 cm/year after the second thinning at age 37–42. The PAI of tree volume differed according to thinning intensity, and the PAI value did not decrease obviously, in contrast to the pattern of the DBH PAI. Stand volume was generally higher in high-density stands, and the PAI of stand volume was high in unthinned and light thinning plots. Mortality was highest in unthinned plots, and the differences in mortality according to thinning intensity increased over time. Consequently, the growth of DBH and tree volume was lower as stand density increased, but this growth was facilitated with appropriate first and second thinning operations.