Silviculture, 2006

During the last 15 years there has been a gradual decrease in forest planting. From the 1980s to the beginning to the 1990s around 30 000 hectares were planted yearly. In 1994, the planted area was reduced to approximately 20 000 hectares, and in 2005 to around 10 000 hectares.

Less tending of young stands

From 2003 to 2004 the tended area increased by 15 000 hectares. In 2004 the public subsidies were reintroduced, and thus represent the main reason for the increase. In total, 21 800 hectares of young forest were tended in 2006, which is 6 500 hectares less than in the previous year.

More scarification

Scarification involves the removal of vegetation to improve the conditions for natural regeneration and growth of forest plants. A total of 6 300 hectares were scarificated in 2006, an increase of 1 400 hectares from 2005. 53 per cent of the scarification was carried out in the county of Hedmark.

Little drainage

There has been a sharp decline in the drainage of bogs and woodland in recent years. This is mainly due to greater environmental awareness and reduced public subsidies. In 2006, a total area of 220 hectares of forest ground and bogs were drained.

Less spraying

The use of chemical eradicants for cleaning and weed combating in forestry has dropped in recent years. In 2006 a total of 480 hectares were sprayed, 220 hectares less than in 2005.

NOK 170 million invested in silviculture

Totally, NOK 170 million were invested in silviculture in 2006. Government subsidies covered NOK 43 million and the forest owners paid the remaining NOK 127 million.

Tables:

• Table 1 Forest regeneration, by county. 1991-2005
• Table 2 Forest drainage , by county. 1991-2006.
• Table 3 Silviculture, by County. 2002-2006
• Table 4 Scarification. Area and expenditure, by county. 1999-2006
• Table 5 Expenditure and public subsidies on silviculture, by County. 2001-2006. NOK 1 000