The effect of weeding frequency and timing on the height growth of young sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) in southwestern Japan

This study investigated the effect of weeding on the height growth of planted sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) saplings in southwestern Japan. First, we developed stand-level sugi and weed annual height growth models that accounted for tree spacing, slope aspect, and mean sugi height at the end of prior growing season and mean weed height just after weeding. Then, we simulated sugi heights after the sixth growing season under 64 different weeding schedules, using the developed model to examine the effects of the weeding frequency and the timing of weeding. The selected model for sugi height growth was expressed in terms of mean sugi height, mean weed height, slope aspect, and the relative height of weeds to sugi. In the case of weeds, the selected model was expressed in terms of mean sugi height, slope aspect, and the relative height of weeds to sugi. The simulation showed that sugi height decreased approximately 20% for every one-time reduction in the number of weeding. The simulation also showed that earlier, rather than later, weeding yielded better sugi growth. In conclusion, not only weeding frequency but also weeding schedules are important for sugi height growth.