Small group selection method in Calabrian black pine (Pinus laricio Poiret) forests in the Sila Mountain Range (Calabria)

Abstract

A silvicultural method traditionally applied in Calabrian black pine forests in theSila Mountain Range (Calabria) is examined. The aim is to verify the possibility ofmanaging in a sustainable way these forest formations while maintaining the typicallandscape of the region.The research was carried out in a private property in the area of Longobucco (CS).Results show that this type of silvicultural method, which has been applied in the area forover a century, has created a stand structure characterized by small groups of trees ofdifferent ages. By the continuous adaptation of cutting levels to the reaction of the standand to the requests of the wood market, this silvicultural method has guaranteed asubstantial equilibrium between the economic interests of the owner and the bioecologicalaspects of forest cultivation.It is concluded that this silvicultural method, which maintains an uneven agedstructure in stands of an intolerant species, can be defined as «small group selectionmethod».