Abstract: Release cutting of an artificial Korean pine forest can remove all or 50% broadleaved trees over the canopy. The half-released stand is characterized by fast growth and high stand stocking. Its leaf area index, leaf area density and forest productivity are respectively 1.3, 0.8 and 1.3 times larger, solar radiation absorption is 100.3×10⁶J/m² more, and solar energy utilization rate is 0.06% higher than those of all-released one, Its nutrient accumulation rate is also larger. For young forest, half-release cutting is benefit to the formation of vertical stand structure, full utilization of environmental resources, decrease of competition and enhance of forest productivity.

Key words: Release cutting, Stand structure, Young growth of Korean pine