Resumen
Aim of the study: To analyse the effectiveness of thinning on tree growth, forest structure and microclimatic variables along seven years after cuttings in a secondary Nothofagus antarctica forest in Southern Patagonia.Area of study: Five hectares of homogeneous stand of secondary forests (54º15?46? SL, 66º59?41? WL) in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.Material and methods: One control and two thinning levels were established, and forest structure, growth, crown dynamic and microclimate variables in long-term permanent plots were evaluated. Main comparisons were made using multiple ANOVAs.Main results: Intensive thinning in secondary forests allowed to increase tree individual growth rates by doubling the radiation levels at the understory level that enhances the silvopastoral management. These forests showed a desirable resilience to the forest interventions and natural disturbances (e.g. heavy defoliator attack), with a rapid reaction in the canopy cover growth.Research highlights: Monitoring of thinning for silvopastoral management must include easy and cheap measuring variables, e.g. diameter growth as a proxy for timber production objectives and hemispherical photos (crown cover and radiation) as a proxy for pasture production. Long-term monitoring allowed to identify reliable indicators that assist new sustainable management alternatives.