Silviculture, 2004

Tending of young stands

In total, 261 000 decares of young forest were tended in 2004, almost 150 000 decares more than in the previous year. Public subsidies to tending of young forest were not granted in 2003, resulting in a considerable fall in the tended area. In 2004, the public subsidies were reintroduced and thus represent the main reason for the increase.

Small increase in forest planting

The authorities do not grant subsidies to forest planting any more, but the forest owners may finance this investment through the Forest Trust Fund (for further description, see "About the statistics"). Planting is the most important single investment within silviculture. In 2004, NOK 77 million was invested in planting and interplanting in total. 116 300 decares were planted on a national basis, which is 4 700 more than in the year before.

More scarification

Scarification involves the removal of vegetation to improve the conditions for natural regeneration and growth of forest plants. Scarification was performed on 57 400 decares in 2004, an increase on 22 per cent from 2003. 43 per cent of this, or 24 800 decares, was carried out in Hedmark.

Large increase in drainage

There has been a sharp decline in drainage in recent years. This is mainly due to greater environmental awareness and reduced profitability. In 2004, the drainage area increased, but it is still lower than in 2002. A total of 2 600 decares of forest ground and bog were drained, 1 650 decares more than in 2003.

Fertilizing of forest

In total, 6 600 decares were fertilized in 2004, 12 per cent more than in the year before.

Less spraying

The use of chemical eradicants in forestry has fallen in recent years. The area sprayed went down from 8 400 decares in 2003 to 6 700 decares in 2004.

Tables:

• Table 1 Forest regeneration, by county. 1991-2004*
• Table 2 Forest drainage , by county. 1991-2004.
• Table 3 Silviculture, by county. 2002-2004
• Table 4 Scarification. Area and expenditure, by county. 1999-2004