Development of growth and stand structure in Picea abies stands planted at different initial densities

Development of growth and stand structure was studied in four spacing experiments with Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) in northern Sweden. The sites were considered as poor for Norway spruce. Height and diameter growth were significantly lower in the densest spacings compared to the most widely spaced stands. In the dense spacings the relative growth rates of both small and large trees were reduced. Height‐diameter ratio was not influenced by spacing. Stand structure (Gini‐cooerficient and skewness) was not significantly affected by spacing. It was concluded that the major limiting factor for growth in the dense spacings was not light but mineral nutrients and/or water. The results also support the hypothesis of unchanged or decreased inequality when competition acts on all trees equally or in proportion to their size.