Size–density metrics, leaf area, and productivity in eastern white pine

2005 ◽  
Vol 35 (10) ◽  
pp. 2469-2478 ◽  
Author(s):  
J C Innes ◽  
M J Ducey ◽  
J H Gove ◽  
W B Leak ◽  
J P Barrett
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Growth Efficiency ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
White Pine ◽  
Eastern White Pine ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Linear Predictor ◽  
Density Indices

Size–density metrics are used extensively for silvicultural planning; however, they operate on biological assumptions that remain relatively untested. Using data from 12 even-aged stands of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) growing in southern New Hampshire, we compared size-density metrics with stand productivity and its biological components, including leaf area index (LAI) and measures of crown morphology. Density indices included Reineke's stand density index (SDI), a –3/2 relative density law, and trees per hectare. We examined models with and without site index and stand age as components, to predict total stand accretion (PAI), LAI, and growth efficiency (GE). LAI was a strong linear predictor of PAI (R2 = 0.89). However, of the indices tested only SDI was a significant predictor of accretion, and none were significantly related to LAI or GE. Site index was not a significant predictor of any variable when used alone, but in combination with SDI and stand age did lead to significant relationships with PAI (R2 = 0.84), LAI (R2 = 0.67), and GE (R2 = 0.92). Of the density indices tested only trees per hectare was strongly correlated with crown attributes. These results demonstrate that size-density metrics combined with other stand attributes are reasonably correlated with biological measures of stand growth.

scholarly journals Practical Extension of a Lake States Tree Height Model

2008 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 186-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Don C. Bragg
Keyword(s):  
Basal Area ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Individual Response ◽  
White Pine ◽  
Eastern White Pine ◽  
Tree Model ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Height Model

Abstract By adapting data from national and state champion lists and the predictions of an existing height model, an exponential function was developed to improve tree height estimation. As a case study, comparisons between the original and redesigned model were made with eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.). For example, the heights predicted by the new design varied by centimeters from the original until the pines were more than 25 cm dbh, after which the differences increased notably. On a very good site (50-year base age site index [SI50] = 27.4 m) at the upper end of the range of basal area (BA; 68.9 m2/ha) for the region, the redesigned model predicted a champion-sized eastern white pine (actual measurements: 97.0 cm dbh, 50.9 m tall) to be 51.3 m tall, compared with 38.8 m using the original formulation under the same conditions. The NORTHWDS Individual Response Model (NIRM) individual tree model further highlighted the influence of these differences with long-term simulations of eastern white pine height. On a moderate site (SI50 = 18.7 m) with intermediate (BA = 15 m2/ha) stand density, NIRM results show that the original model consistently predicts heights to be 20–30% lower for mature white pine.

The role of stand density on growth efficiency, leaf area index, and resin flow in southwestern ponderosa pine forests

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 343-355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nate G. McDowell ◽  
Henry D. Adams ◽  
John D. Bailey ◽  
Thomas E. Kolb
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area Index ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Growth Efficiency ◽  
Resin Flow ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Sapwood Area ◽  
Ponderosa Pine Forests

We examined the response of growth efficiency (GE), leaf area index (LAI), and resin flow (RF) to stand density manipulations in ponderosa pine ( Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws.) forests of northern Arizona, USA. The study used a 40 year stand density experiment including seven replicated basal area (BA) treatments ranging from 7 to 45 m2·ha–1. Results were extended to the larger region using published and unpublished datasets on ponderosa pine RF. GE was quantified using basal area increment (BAI), stemwood production (NPPs), or volume increment (VI) per leaf area (Al) or sapwood area (As). GE per Al was positively correlated with BA, regardless of numerator (BAI/Al, NPPs/Al, and VI/Al; r2 = 0.84, 0.95, and 0.96, respectively). GE per As exhibited variable responses to BA. Understory LAI increased with decreasing BA; however, total (understory plus overstory) LAI was not correlated with BA, GE, or RF. Opposite of the original research on this subject, resin flow was negatively related to GE per Al because Al/As ratios decline with increasing BA. BAI, and to a lesser degree BA, predicted RF better than growth efficiency, suggesting that the simplest measurement with the fewest assumptions (BAI) is also the best approach for predicting RF.

Comparing site quality indices and productivity in ponderosa pine stands of western Montana

1988 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 346-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott D. McLeod ◽  
Steven W. Running
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area Index ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Volume Growth ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Site Quality ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Water Index ◽  
Available Water

Four indices of site quality were compared with volume growth of pure, ideal ponderosa pine (Pinusponderosa Laws.) stands in western Montana. Indices based on quantifying the biophysical factors or physiological processes that control productivity (available water index and a relative index of seasonal photosynthesis from computer simulations) worked as well as those based on tree or stand measurements (site index and leaf area index). The following correlations of mean annual stem volume increment were found: with leaf area index, R2 = 0.93; with available water index, R2 = 0.95; with site index, R2 = 0.98; with gross photosynthesis R2 = 0.96. The available water and photosynthesis indices were also highly correlated to site index (R2 > 0.95). However, the tree-dependent site quality indices varied by stand density. Leaf area index and volume growth increased with stand density while site index decreased. Simulations indicated that depletion of soil water effectively halted transpiration and photosynthesis by midsummer and illustrated that even with adequate water, cold spring and fall temperatures ultimately defined the length of the growing season and hence site quality. We conclude that an ecosystem process model can provide an index to site quality independent of tree or stand measurements.

scholarly journals Light dynamics and free-to-grow standards in aspen-dominated mixedwood forests

2002 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor J Lieffers ◽  
Bradley D Pinno ◽  
Kenneth J Stadt
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area Index ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Light Transmission ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Canopy Gaps ◽  
Light Competition ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Mixedwood Forests ◽  
Key Words Competition

This study examines light competition between aspen and spruce during the sequence of aspen development. Leaf area index and light transmission were measured or estimated for aspen stands from 2 to 125 years old. Light transmission was lowest at 15-25 years, and in some stands, transmission was less than 5% of above-canopy light. Hypothetical aspen stands with various stem configurations and heights were developed, and positions were identified that would meet or fail Alberta free-to-grow (FTG) standards. Light transmission was estimated at each position with the MIXLIGHT forest light simulator. Positions in canopy gaps or at the northern sides of canopy gaps had higher light. In general, however, there was little difference in available light between positions that met or failed FTG criteria. Stand density and size of aspen trees appears to be a better index to predict light transmission and spruce success in juvenile aspen stands than current FTG criteria. Key words: competition, free to grow, hardwood, spruce, light

Response of aboveground biomass increment, growth efficiency, and foliar nutrients to thinning, fertilization, and pruning in young Douglas-fir plantations in the central Oregon Cascades

1992 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 1278-1289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Velazquez-Martinez ◽  
David A. Perry ◽  
Tom E. Bell
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Aboveground Biomass ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Growth Efficiency ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Biomass Increment ◽  
Oregon Cascades

The effect of thinning and cultural practices (multinutrient fertilization, pruning) on total aboveground biomass increment and growth efficiency was studied over three consecutive 2-year periods (1981–1987) in young Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) plantations. Net aboveground biomass increment over the 6-year period averaged 14.5, 7.8, and 5.5 Mg•ha−1•year−1 for the high-, medium-, and low-density plots, respectively. Growth efficiency, after dropping sharply between leaf area indexes of 1 and 6 m2/m2, remained relatively constant up to a leaf area index of 17, the highest measured. Consequently, aboveground biomass increment continued to increase at leaf area indexes well above that at which the Beer–Lambert law predicts maximum light should be absorbed. Foliage analyses indicate that thinning improved nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium nutrition and increased the translocation of potassium from 1-year-old foliage to support new growth. However, fertilization increased foliar nitrogen and phosphorus contents only when coupled with pruning, suggesting that trees favor total leaf area over individual needle nutrition. Indications of potassium and magnesium limitations in this study are supported by other recent studies in Douglas-fir. Further work on the role of multinutrient deficiencies in this species is warranted.

scholarly journals Evaluations of In-Furrow Insecticides and Fungicides, 1995

1996 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 241-241
Author(s):  
Gene Burris ◽  
Don Cook ◽  
B. R. Leonard ◽  
J. B. Graves ◽  
J. Pankey
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area Index ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Plant Height ◽  
Pest Control ◽  
Cotton Seed ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Seed Rate

Abstract The test was conducted at the Northeast Research Station in St. Joseph, LA. Plots were replicated 4 times in a RCB design and were four rows (40-inch spacing) X 65 ft. ‘Stoneville LA 887’ cotton seed was planted 2 and 3 May on a commerce silt soil which was fertilized sidedress with 90 lb N/acre. Cotton seed were planted with a John Deere model 7100 series planter which was equipped with 10 inch seed cones mounted to replace the seed hoppers. The seed rate was 4 seed/row ft. Granular in-furrow treatments were applied with 8 inch belt cone applicators mounted to replace the standard granular applicators. Control of thrips and aphids was evaluated on 5 randomly selected plants/plot. Evaluations were made on 18, 19, 24, 26, and 29 May and 8 Jun. Plant height counts were taken on 10 randomly selected plants/plot on 8 Jun. Stand density and leaf area was determined by counting the number of plants in a randomly selected meter on 29 May. Leaf area was recorded using a Li Cor leaf area machine. The data was recorded as cm2 and converted to a leaf area index (LAI). Major pests and/or secondary pest control was initiated in Jun and continued on an “as needed” basis through Aug.

Influence of Herbaceous Interference on Growth and Biomass Partitioning in Planted Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)

Weed Science ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 497-503 ◽  
Author(s):  
John R. Britt ◽  
Bruce R. Zutter ◽  
Robert J. Mitchell ◽  
Dean H. Gjerstad ◽  
John F. Dickson
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Pinus Taeda ◽  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Growth Efficiency ◽  
Biomass Partitioning ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Weed Interference

Three herbaceous regimes were established, using herbicides, to examine the effects of interference on growth and biomass partitioning in loblolly pine (Pinus taedaL.). Trees were sampled near Auburn and Tallassee, AL. Trees at the Auburn site grown with low weed interference (LWI) had 4, 10, 10, 8, and 4 times greater total aboveground biomass than did trees with high weed interference (HWI) for ages one through five, respectively. Medium weed interference (MWI, Auburn site only) resulted in three times greater biomass the first 4 yr and two times greater total biomass by the fifth year compared to trees grown with HWI. Trees growing with LWI were 5, 8, 10, and 6 times larger than those with HWI for ages one through four, respectively, at the Tallassee site. At all levels of interference, the percentage of total biomass in foliage decreased, and stem and branch components increased, with increasing tree size at both sites. Trees growing with HWI had a lower percentage of total biomass in foliage and a greater percentage of total biomass in stem than those growing with LWI when compared over a common size. Growth efficiency per tree, expressed as annual increase in stem biomass per unit leaf area (g m−2), was slightly greater for trees growing with LWI compared to HWI when leaf area index (LAI3, total surface) was less than 0.2. For LAI values greater than 0.2 the relationship was reversed. The latter contradicts the idea that growth efficiency can be used as a measure of vigor for young loblolly pine. Changes in carbon partitioning to the development of leaf area are suggested to be driving the accelerated growth responses associated with a reduction of weed interference.

Thinning ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) stands reduces mortality while maintaining stand productivity

2013 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 311-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianwei Zhang ◽  
Martin W. Ritchie ◽  
Douglas A. Maguire ◽  
William W. Oliver
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Ponderosa ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Bark Beetles ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Growth Efficiency ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Annual Increment ◽  
Stand Productivity ◽  
Residual Variation

We analyzed 45 years of data collected from three ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Douglas ex P. Lawson & C. Lawson) levels-of-growing-stock installations in Oregon (OR) and northern California (CA), USA, to determine the effect of stand density regimes on stand productivity and mortality. We found that periodic annual increment (PAI) of diameter, basal area (BA), volume, and aboveground dry mass were significantly related to stand density index (SDI) and stand age at start of the period; the quadratic trends varied among sites. Precipitation departure from the normal for each period explained a significant amount of residual variation in all PAI variables except diameter. BA production did not change significantly as SDI exceeded 270 trees·ha−1 at the OR sites and 320 trees·ha−1 at the CA site. Stand productivity was the highest at Elliot Ranch (CA) and the least at Blue Mountains (OR). A similar trend held in growth efficiency under lower stand densities (SDI < 600). Most of the mortality was caused by Dendroctonus bark beetles in stands that exceeded SDI of 500 trees·ha−1. Limiting SDI was about 900 trees·ha−1, although plots at Elliot Ranch reached much higher than that. The results demonstrate that silvicultural control of stand density can be a powerful tool for reducing bark beetle caused mortality without sacrificing stand productivity.

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