Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Lucian Sorin DOROG
This study investigates how different stand structures influence vulnerability to windthrows, using the vertical differentiation index as an analytical tool. Measurements were conducted in three forest districts containing stands with varying structures: even-aged, relatively even-aged, relatively uneven-aged, and uneven-aged. Findings indicate that the vertical differentiation index has subunit values close to zero in even-aged stands and approaches one in uneven-aged stands. A significant inverse correlation was observed between this index and the percentage of wood affected by windthrows. These results underscore the importance of diversifying stand structures in Romanian forest management to mitigate ecological and economic losses.
[Read full article] [Citation]
