Yield Regulation in the Knysna Forests

Abstract

SYNOPSIS A yield regulation system for the indigenous forest of the Southern Cape is described. With the system an attempt is made to approach optimum sustainable yield levels, subject to conservation principles. Complexities of forest dynamics and growing stock sampling constraints hamper precise yield regulation in uneven-aged, multi-species forest systems world-wide. The system presented constitutes an endeavour to cope with these constraints adequately within acceptable limits of input in terms of manpower. Aided by an integrated, appropriately designed inventory system, the approach also provides for yield level adjustments over successive harvesting occasions.