Analysis of Optimal Thinning Prescriptions for a Cryptomeria japonica Stand Using Dynamic Programming

摘要

The objective of this study was to analyze the optimal thinning regimes for timber or carbon managements in Cryptomeria japonica stands of Hannam Experimental Forest, Korea Forest Research Institute. In solving the problem, PATH algorithm, developed by Paderes and Brodie, was used as the decision-making tool and the individual-tree/distance-free stand growth simulator for the species, developed by Kwon et al., was used to predict the stand growth associated with density control by thinning regimes and mortality. The results of this study indicate that the timber management for maximum net present value (NPV) needs less number of but higher intensity thinnings than the carbon management for maximum carbon absorption does. In case of carbon management, the amount of carbon absorption is bigger than that of timber management by about 6% but NPV is reduced by about 3.2%. On the other hand, intensive forest managements with thinning regimes promotes net income and carbon absorption by about 60% comparedwith those of the do-nothing option.