Silviculture, 2003

The total investments in forestry amounted to NOK 125 million in 2003. As a comparison, an average of NOK 250 million was invested annually during the previous five years period.

Lower investments in planting

With the exception of Akershus and Oslo, less reforestation was registered inn all counties. Nearly 11 200 hectares of forestland were planted on a national basis, and this is 4 900 hectares less than in the year before. Planting is the most important single investment within silviculture. In 2003, some NOK 77 million was invested in planting and interplanting. This is NOK 43 million less than in 2002.

Tending of young stands

The area tended in 2003 was reduced by 20 000 hectares, or 62 per cent, compared with 2002. This work consist of clearing, weed combating and juvenile spacing - all work that is done in connection with the establishment of new forest. Tending of young stands was performed on 12 680 hectares in 2003.

Reduced scarification

Scarification involves removal of vegetation in spots to improve the conditions for natural regeneration and the growth of forest plants. Scarification was performed on 4 710 hectares in 2003 and this is 3 600 hectares less than in 2002. The scarification investments amounted to NOK 7.6 million in 2003.

Spraying

For several years there has been a decline in the area of young forest treated with herbicides. In 2003, 840 hectares were sprayed and this is 125 hectares less than in the year before.

Drainage at a low

Drainage of forest area has also showed a marked decline in 2003. Only 92 hectares were drained in 2003, the smallest forest area registered drained ever. The drained area was reduced by 290 hectares from 2002. As much as 96 per cent of the drainage was performed on woodland, the rest on various types of bog land.

Tables:

• Table 1 Forest regeneration and afforestation work , by county. 1991-2003
• Table 2 Forest drainage, , by county. 1991-2003
• Table 3 Area and average expenditure on forest regeneration. 1991-2003
• Table 4 Scarification . Area and expenditure, by county. 1999-2003