With the focus on maximising timber yield from a static land base rather than on a reduction in costs alone, the question of whether to replant or coppice has become increasingly important. Although past research in South Africa has compared coppice growth and wood properties with genetically similar planted material, these studies used data collected on limited sites and/or species, or over successive rotations. To directly c...

Forests, essential components of ecosystems, are managed for sustainable timber production in forest plantations to meet the growing demand for wood products. The intricate balance between sustainable forest management and logging residue management practices is crucial for ecological integrity and economic viability. Logging residues, byproducts of timber harvesting, significantly influence carbon and nutrient cycling, soil s...

Previous research indicated that the application of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizer to Mexican weeping pine (Pinus patula Schiede ex Schltdl. & Cham.) on gabbro-derived soils was necessary to correct a second rotation yield decline. To plan efficient fertilization of subsequent rotations, the fate and utilization of the applied K fertilizer was investigated using the rubidium (Rb)/K reverse tracer technique whereby...