Natural regeneration of Scots pine seedlings in northern Finland after small gap, selection and shelterwood cuttings and site preparation

Key Points

• This research aims to evaluate methods for natural regeneration of Scots pine seedlings in northern Finland.
• Analyzed the impact of small gap cuttings and mechanical site preparation on seedling regeneration.
• Utilized lidar and aerial image features to assess seedbed properties affecting seedling numbers.
• Small gap cuttings resulted in the highest number of naturally regenerated seedlings.
• Mechanical site preparation, particularly using tracks, significantly enhanced regeneration success.
• Seedling counts were best predicted by characteristics of the seedbed, informed by lidar and aerial imagery.