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

• A combined planting and thinning model for even-aged forest stands was developed.
• A simultaneous optimal solution for planting, thinning and rotation was analyzed.
• Timber volume accumulation during the thinning phase is not always optimal.
• Increased planting density also increases the optimal timber stock level and slope.
• Optimal thinning schedule and final harvest strongly depend on the planting density.

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.