Application of retention forestry to Cryptomeria japonica and Chamaecyparis obtusa plantations in Shikoku, southern Japan

Abstract

This study examined which broadleaf tree species could be retained trees and whether retention of about 10 trees per hectare would be feasible, if the retention forestry were applied to Cryptomeria japonica (cedar) or Chamaecyparis obtusa (cypress) plantations in Shikoku, Japan. The selection criterion was to retain large, healthy hardwood trees at 10 trees per hectare. Selections were made at two post-harvest plantations. We also gathered feedback from forestry operators on their impressions and experiences of retention forestry. At one site, s saplings, damaged individuals and coppice regeneration individuals were also selected. in some forests, selecting only broadleaf trees that have grown to a certain size may make it difficult to achieve even low retention densities. Forestry operators were positive about retention forestry, but the difficulty of communicating the details of operations between work teams was noted.