A combined economic analysis of optimal planting density, thinning and rotation for an even-aged forest stand

A planting and timber harvest scheduling model for even-aged forest stands was developed by combining and extending the dynamic thinning approach and existing work on planting density. A net present value maximum solution for planted volume, thinning regime and rotation schedule was determined simultaneously. The influence of the planting density on the optimal stand volume path, thinning schedule and rotation length was analyzed, emphasizing the importance of optimal stand establishment. The results and dependencies are discussed in detail and compared to findings presented in the literature.