Influence of social status on crown geometry and volume increment in regular and irregular black spruce stands

1996 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 1742-1753 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frédéric Raulier ◽  
Chhun-Huor Ung ◽  
Denis Ouellet
Keyword(s):  
Social Status ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Growth Function ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Equal Weight ◽  
Residual Variance ◽  
Potential Growth ◽  
Volume Increment

A model of bole volume increment based on crown dimensions and tree social status is analyzed for its ability to predict bole volume increment independently of stand structure. Data were collected in two boreal black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) BSP) stands in Quebec. One stand is even-aged and of seed origin, and the other stand is uneven-aged and of layer origin. A varying parameter approach is taken to show that the crown profile of black spruce depends on competition. Formal expressions for crown surface area and volume are developed from the crown profile and are used to derive a potential growth function for bole volume. Three social status indices are considered to characterize competition experienced by a subject tree: a distance-dependent competition index relating differences of height between the tree and its neighbors to the distance separating them, and two distance-independent indices, one based on tree height relative to dominant stand height and one based on height growth relative to potential height growth of a competition-free tree. These indices are combined with the potential growth function to successfully model bole volume increment. Both stands have an equal weight in the unexplained residual variance. Furthermore, all three social status indices perform equally well at predicting bole volume increment. The use of a potential growth function with crown parameters is further discussed.

Genetic parameter estimates for growth traits of black spruce in northwestern Ontario

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (12) ◽  
pp. 2994-3001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pengxin Lu ◽  
Paul Charrette
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Type A ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Type B ◽  
Northwestern Ontario ◽  
Tree Height Growth

Genetic parameters of growth traits were estimated for first-generation selections of black spruce ( Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) in northwestern Ontario from 720 open-pollinated families and more than 42 000 trees. Unbiased estimates of narrow-sense heritability for tree height growth averaged 0.19, 0.18, and 0.14 at ages 6, 11, and 19 years, respectively, from combined-site analyses compared with 0.25, 0.23, and 0.16 for the same ages from single-site analyses. Heritability estimates for diameter at breast height and stem volume were lower than that of height at age 19, suggesting that tree height is a more desirable trait for selection in black spruce. The moderately high estimates of type B genetic correlations implied limited operational importance of genotype × environment interactions. Estimates of age–age genetic correlation were high (>0.88) among cumulative tree height growth at 6, 11, and 19 years but lower between height increments from different age intervals. Estimates of type B age–age genetic correlation were more than 0.2 lower than their type A counterparts, suggesting strong effects of common environments on the estimates of type A genetic correlations. Based on the relative selection efficiencies, selection on cumulative tree height between ages 6 and 11 was more efficient than at age 19.

Croissance en hauteur de l'épinette noire: région de Lebel-sur-Quévillon et de Dolbeau au Québec

1992 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 1378-1386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Zarnovican
Keyword(s):  
Black Spruce ◽  
Growth Function ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Average Height ◽  
Height Increment ◽  
Stem Analysis ◽  
Site Class ◽  
Temporal Structures

Height growth of black spruce was studied from stem analysis in 72 circular plots of 0.1 ha located in the Lebel-sur-Quévillon and Dolbeau regions, province of Quebec. Tree age analysis showed that only 52 of these plots were evenly aged; therefore, only these were retained in the present study. Mean age determined at diameter at breast height was as variable as mean total age. The comparison of Plonski's and Vézina and Linteau's parameterized site-index curves suggested that Plonski's model is more suitable for asymptotic growth of black spruce. The comparison of parameterized average height curves from 52 plots with Plonski's curves indicated that black spruce height growth in these regions is not uniform; four different growing forms corresponding to temporal structures can be distinguished. These growing forms can have asymptotic or linear curves; these can coincide with or cut across the Plonski's site-class curves, according to the increase or decrease in height growth with age. Finally, the growing forms are also found by parameters of Korf's growth function, by height increments, and by ages at which height increment is highest.

Morphometric, allometric, and developmentally adaptive traits in red spruce and black spruce. II. Seedling and mature tree assessment of controlled intra- and inter-specific hybrids

2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 897-909 ◽  
Author(s):  
John E Major ◽  
Alex Mosseler ◽  
Debby C Barsi ◽  
Moira Campbell ◽  
Om P Rajora
Keyword(s):  
Black Spruce ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Male Parent ◽  
Red Spruce ◽  
Hybrid Index ◽  
Mature Tree ◽  
Mature Trees ◽  
Stem Wood ◽  
Species Effect

The objective of this study was to investigate the genetic nature of morphometric, allometric, and developmental traits in controlled intra- and inter-specific hybrid crosses of red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) and black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP). We examined 1-year-old greenhouse-grown seedlings and 22-year-old mature trees that were part of the same set of controlled crosses performed in the early 1970s. Seed weight had a strong female species effect. Mean cotyledon number and germination time had a very strong hybrid index effect. F1 interspecific hybrids showed negative heterosis in mature tree height, whereas hybrid index 25, a black spruce backcross, produced positive heterosis for seedling and mature tree height growth. Correlations of mean height of seedlings with mean height of mature trees on two sites were remarkably high (r = 0.918 and r = 0.968) when tested by hybrid index. Any cross having black spruce as the female or male parent had significantly higher height growth than those with red spruce as either female or male parent. Of the five hybrid indices, hybrid index 0 (black spruce) had the highest biomass allocation to stem wood and hybrid index 100 (red spruce) had the highest allocation to roots.

Effets du drainage sur la croissance et le statut nutritif d’un peuplement d’épinette noire de structure inéquienne : résultats de 10 ans

2005 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
pp. 516-524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcel Prévost ◽  
Daniel Dumais ◽  
André P Plamondon
Keyword(s):  
Picea Mariana ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Diameter Growth ◽  
Growth Increase ◽  
Epinette Noire ◽  
Forest Drainage

We present the 10-year results of a forest drainage experiment conducted in a pre-mature uneven-aged black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] BSP) stand, in Bas-Saint-Laurent, Québec, Canada. The set up included 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 m ditch spacings, and the data were pooled in three diameter classes, ≤ 4 cm (small stems), 6–10 cm (medium-size stems) and ≥ 12 cm (large stems), in order to take into account stand structure in the analysis. The diameter growth of large stems (dominant cover, height ~ 8–12 m) was not improved by drainage. Medium-size stems (intermediate story, ~ 4–8 m) showed a better growth at a 5–10 m distance from the ditches, while small stems (understory ~ 1–4 m) reacted well to drainage, proportionally to ditch closeness. Generally, growth and gain attributable to drainage increased with the live crown ratio, from one third of the total tree height. We did not detect any effect of drainage or distance from the nearest ditch on the nutrient content of the current year foliage of the large stems. For small stems, even the individuals located at 25–30 m from the ditches showed a growth increase compared to the control, although the understory did not benefit from full light conditions. Results suggest that drainage aiming at correcting watering-up following harvesting could permit a rapid growth increase of advance growth. Key words: diameter growth, foliar analysis, forest drainage, black spruce, Picea mariana, forested peatland

scholarly journals Allometric Equations for Estimating Biomass and Carbon Stocks in Afforested Open Woodlands with Black Spruce and Jack Pine, in the Eastern Canadian Boreal Forest

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Olivier Fradette ◽  
Charles Marty ◽  
Pascal Tremblay ◽  
Daniel Lord ◽  
Jean-François Boucher
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Carbon Stocks ◽  
Allometric Equations ◽  
C Stocks ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Canadian Boreal Forest

Allometric equations use easily measurable biometric variables to determine the aboveground and belowground biomasses of trees. Equations produced for estimating the biomass within Canadian forests at a large scale have not yet been validated for eastern Canadian boreal open woodlands (OWs), where trees experience particular environmental conditions. In this study, we harvested 167 trees from seven boreal OWs in Quebec, Canada for biomass and allometric measurements. These data show that Canadian national equations accurately predict the whole aboveground biomass for both black spruce and jack pine trees, but underestimated branches biomass, possibly owing to a particular tree morphology in OWs relative to closed-canopy stands. We therefore developed ad hoc allometric equations based on three power models including diameter at breast height (DBH) alone or in combination with tree height (H) as allometric variables. Our results show that although the inclusion of H in the model yields better fits for most tree compartments in both species, the difference is minor and does not markedly affect biomass C stocks at the stand level. Using these newly developed equations, we found that carbon stocks in afforested OWs varied markedly among sites owing to differences in tree growth and species. Nine years after afforestation, jack pine plantations had accumulated about five times more carbon than black spruce plantations (0.14 vs. 0.80 t C·ha−1), highlighting the much larger potential of jack pine for OW afforestation projects in this environment.

Effects of Crown Thinning on Baldcypress Height, Diameter, and Volume Growth

1988 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 252-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen G. Dicke ◽  
John R. Toliver
Keyword(s):  
Volume Growth ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Taxodium Distichum ◽  
Volume Increment ◽  
Crown Thinning ◽  
Epicormic Branching

Abstract Crown thinning a 63-year-old stand of baldcypress (Taxodium distichum [L.] Rich.) averaging 220 ft²/ac of basal area to 180, 140, and 100 ft²/ac resulted in 5-year diameter growths of 0.44, 0.51, and 0.77 in., respectively. The unthinned control was significantly less at 0.31 in. Six-year height growth averaged 3.1 ft and was not influenced by treatment. Thinning to 140 and 100 ft²/ac stimulated epicormic branching on many trees, which may lower log quality. All crown thinning treatments appeared to increase sawtimber volume increment and sawtimber volume/ac over the control 5 years after thinning. South. J. Appl. For. 12(4):252-256.

scholarly journals The Difficulty of Predicting Eastern Spruce Dwarf Mistletoe in Lowland Black Spruce: Model Benchmarking in Northern Minnesota, USA

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 843
Author(s):  
Ella R. Gray ◽  
Matthew B. Russell ◽  
Marcella A. Windmuller-Campione
Keyword(s):  
Stand Structure ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Forest Health ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Predictive Performance ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Management Decisions ◽  
Dwarf Mistletoe ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Model Interpretation

Insects, fungi, and diseases play an important role in forest stand development and subsequently, forest management decisions and treatments. As these disturbance agents commonly occur within and across landscapes, modeling has often been used to inform forest planning and management decisions. However, models are rarely benchmarked, leaving questions about their utility. Here, we assessed the predictive performance of a Bayesian hierarchical model through on–the-ground sampling to explore what features of stand structure or composition may be important factors related to eastern spruce dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium pusillum Peck) presence in lowland black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B. S. P.). Twenty-five state-owned stands included in the predictive model were sampled during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons. Within each stand, data related to the presence of eastern spruce dwarf mistletoe, stand structure, and species composition were collected. The model accurately predicted eastern spruce dwarf mistletoe occurrence for 13 of the 25 stands. The amount of living and dead black spruce basal area differed significantly based on model prediction and observed infestation, but trees per hectare, total living basal area, diameter at breast height, stand age, and species richness were not significantly different. Our results highlight the benefits of model benchmarking to improve model interpretation as well as to inform our understanding of forest health problems across diverse stand conditions.

scholarly journals Tree height integrated into pantropical forest biomass estimates

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 3381-3403 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. R. Feldpausch ◽  
J. Lloyd ◽  
S. L. Lewis ◽  
R. J. W. Brienen ◽  
M. Gloor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
East Africa ◽  
Carbon Storage ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Forest Biomass ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Guiana Shield ◽  
Tree Biomass ◽  
Continental Scale

Abstract. Aboveground tropical tree biomass and carbon storage estimates commonly ignore tree height (H). We estimate the effect of incorporating H on tropics-wide forest biomass estimates in 327 plots across four continents using 42 656 H and diameter measurements and harvested trees from 20 sites to answer the following questions: 1. What is the best H-model form and geographic unit to include in biomass models to minimise site-level uncertainty in estimates of destructive biomass? 2. To what extent does including H estimates derived in (1) reduce uncertainty in biomass estimates across all 327 plots? 3. What effect does accounting for H have on plot- and continental-scale forest biomass estimates? The mean relative error in biomass estimates of destructively harvested trees when including H (mean 0.06), was half that when excluding H (mean 0.13). Power- and Weibull-H models provided the greatest reduction in uncertainty, with regional Weibull-H models preferred because they reduce uncertainty in smaller-diameter classes (≤40 cm D) that store about one-third of biomass per hectare in most forests. Propagating the relationships from destructively harvested tree biomass to each of the 327 plots from across the tropics shows that including H reduces errors from 41.8 Mg ha−1 (range 6.6 to 112.4) to 8.0 Mg ha−1 (−2.5 to 23.0). For all plots, aboveground live biomass was −52.2 Mg ha−1 (−82.0 to −20.3 bootstrapped 95% CI), or 13%, lower when including H estimates, with the greatest relative reductions in estimated biomass in forests of the Brazilian Shield, east Africa, and Australia, and relatively little change in the Guiana Shield, central Africa and southeast Asia. Appreciably different stand structure was observed among regions across the tropical continents, with some storing significantly more biomass in small diameter stems, which affects selection of the best height models to reduce uncertainty and biomass reductions due to H. After accounting for variation in H, total biomass per hectare is greatest in Australia, the Guiana Shield, Asia, central and east Africa, and lowest in east-central Amazonia, W. Africa, W. Amazonia, and the Brazilian Shield (descending order). Thus, if tropical forests span 1668 million km2 and store 285 Pg C (estimate including H), then applying our regional relationships implies that carbon storage is overestimated by 35 Pg C (31–39 bootstrapped 95% CI) if H is ignored, assuming that the sampled plots are an unbiased statistical representation of all tropical forest in terms of biomass and height factors. Our results show that tree H is an important allometric factor that needs to be included in future forest biomass estimates to reduce error in estimates of tropical carbon stocks and emissions due to deforestation.

scholarly journals Comparative Height Growth of Eastern Larch and Black Spruce in Northwestern Ontario

1978 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 296-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas A. Mead
Keyword(s):  
Picea Mariana ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Larix Laricina ◽  
Stem Analysis ◽  
Northwestern Ontario ◽  
Analysis Methods ◽  
Spruce Stands

Height growth of eastern larch (Larix laricina (Du Roi) K. Koch) and black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) was determined using standard stem analysis methods on trees from two sites in northwestern Ontario. The data were obtained from mixed larch-spruce stands which were relatively undisturbed. The larch exhibited substantially better height growth than the spruce through age 65.

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