Microclimate effects of fuels-reduction and group-selection silviculture: Implications for fire behavior in Sierran mixed-conifer forests

2012 ◽  
Vol 264 ◽  
pp. 51-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth W. Bigelow ◽  
Malcolm P. North
Keyword(s):  
Group Selection ◽  
Fire Behavior ◽  
Conifer Forests ◽  
Mixed Conifer ◽  
Fuels Reduction ◽  
Mixed Conifer Forests ◽  
Selection Silviculture

scholarly journals Pyric tree spatial patterning interactions in historical and contemporary mixed conifer forests, California, USA

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin P. Ziegler ◽  
Chad M. Hoffman ◽  
Brandon M. Collins ◽  
Eric E. Knapp ◽  
William (Ruddy) Mell
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Patterning ◽  
Conifer Forests ◽  
Mixed Conifer ◽  
Mixed Conifer Forests

Characterizing the light environment in Sierra Nevada mixed-conifer forests using a spatially explicit light model

2004 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 1332-1342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rolf Gersonde ◽  
John J Battles ◽  
Kevin L O'Hara
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Sierra Nevada ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Spatially Explicit ◽  
Conifer Forests ◽  
Prediction Equations ◽  
Mixed Conifer ◽  
Sapwood Area ◽  
Mixed Conifer Forests

The spatially explicit light model tRAYci was calibrated to conditions in multi-aged Sierra Nevada mixed-conifer forests. To reflect conditions that are important to growth and regeneration of this forest type, we sampled a variety of managed mature stands with multiple canopy layers and cohorts. Calibration of the light model included determining leaf area density for individual species with the use of leaf area – sapwood area prediction equations. Prediction equations differed between species and could be improved using site index. The light model predicted point measurements from hemispherical photographs well over a range of 27%–63% light. Simplifying the crown representation in the tRAYci model to average values for species and canopy strata resulted in little reduction in model performance and makes the model more useful to applications with lower sampling intensity. Vertical light profiles in managed mixed-conifer stands could be divided into homogeneous, sigmiodal, and continuous gradients, depending on stand structure and foliage distribution. Concentration of leaf area in the upper canopy concentrates light resources on dominant trees in continuous canopies. Irregular canopies of multiaged stands, however, provide more light resources to mid-size trees and could support growth of shade-intolerant species. Knowledge of the vertical distribution of light intensity in connection with stand structural information can guide regulation of irregular stand structures to meet forest management objectives.

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