Regeneration for sustainable Forestry (RegFor)

Regeneration is one of the most fundamental processes in forest ecology and management. With decreasing current and expected stumpage prices investments in silviculture have dropped the last decade. The results have been insufficient regenerations which i n long term may lead to decreased forest production. New challenges in silviculture such as a more restrictive use of pesticides and the increasing use of alternatives to clear-cutting enforce new regeneration methods. The Regfor programme will focus on t he need for improved seedlings for supplementary planting after partial cuttings e.g. more competitive seedlings with respect to light, water and nutrient are needed. The Large Pine Weevil, Hylobius abietis L. is a major pest of young conifers throughout Europe, restrictions in use of permethrine enforce alternative methods such as the use of beneficial nematodes, or combination of methods as soil scarification and improved seedling quality. Better timing of soil scarification with respect to seed year and season for Pine forests at higher latitudes will be studied in order to strengthen local planning of soil scarification. A refinment of methods in soil scarification will be carried out in order to reduce negative aspects as leaching and destruction of cultural ancient reminds.