The dynamics of stand development: a general stand model applied to Douglas-fir

1988 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 696-702 ◽  
Author(s):  
David E. Tait
Keyword(s):  
Equilibrium Solution ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Dynamic Equations ◽  
Site Quality ◽  
Stand Development ◽  
Stand Volume ◽  
Causal Explanations ◽  
Stand Growth

A linked pair of hypotheses which represent causal explanations for plant growth and stand mortality for an even-aged stand are developed. The pair of dynamic equations lead to a four-parameter Douglas-fir simulation model. The four-parameter model relates the development of stand volume and density to site quality, initial stocking density, and alternative thinning regimes. The mortality hypothesis, a dynamic hypothesis related to stand density and stand growth, generates the −3/2 power law as an equilibrium solution.

scholarly journals A Nonlinear Mixed-Effects Height-to-Diameter Ratio Model for Several Tree Species Based on Czech National Forest Inventory Data

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ram Sharma ◽  
Zdeněk Vacek ◽  
Stanislav Vacek ◽  
Miloš Kučera
Keyword(s):  
Forest Inventory ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Development Stage ◽  
National Forest Inventory ◽  
Mixed Effects ◽  
Site Quality ◽  
National Forest ◽  
Stand Development ◽  
Inventory Data ◽  
Canopy Layer

Height-to-diameter at breast height (DBH) ratio (HDR) is an important tree and stand stability measure. Several factors such as stand dynamics, natural and anthropogenic disturbances, and silvicultural tending significantly affect HDR, and, therefore, in-depth investigation of HDR is essential for better understanding of ecological processes in a forest. A nonlinear mixed-effects HDR model applicable to several tree species was developed using the Czech national forest inventory data comprising 13,875 sample plots and 348,980 trees. The predictive performance of this model was evaluated using the independent dataset which was originated from 25,146 trees on 220 research sample plots. Among various tree- and stand-level variables describing tree size, site quality, stand development stage, stand density, inter-tree spacing, and competition evaluated, dominant height (HDOM), dominant diameter (DDOM), relative spacing index (RS), and DBH-to-quadratic mean DBH ratio (dq) were identified as the most important predictors of HDR variations. A random component describing sample plot-specific HDR variations was included through mixed-effects modelling, and dummy variables describing species-specific HDR variations and canopy layer-specific HDR variations were also included into the HDR model through dummy variable modelling. The mixed-effects HDR model explained 79% of HDR variations without any significant trends in the residuals. Simulation results showed that HDR for each canopy layer increased with increasing site quality and stand development stage (increased HDOM) and increasing competition (increased RS, decreased DDOM and dq). Testing the HDR model on the independent data revealed that more than 85% of HDR variations were described for each individual species (Norway spruce, Scots pine, European larch, and European beech) and group of species (fir species, oak species, birch and alder species) without significant trends in the prediction errors. The HDR can be predicted with a higher accuracy using the calibrated mixed-effects HDR model from measurements of its predictors that can be obtained from routine forest inventories. To improve the prediction accuracy, a model needs to be calibrated with the random effects estimated using one to four randomly selected trees of a particular species or group of species depending on the availability of their numbers per sample plot. The HDR model can be applied for stand stability assessment and stand density regulation. The HDR information is also useful for designing a stand density management diagram. Brief implications of the HDR model for designing silviculture strategies and forest management planning are presented in the article.

scholarly journals Simulating Multiaged Coast Redwood Stand Development: Interactions between Regeneration, Structure, and Productivity

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
John-Pascal Berrill ◽  
Kevin L. O'Hara
Keyword(s):  
Stand Structure ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Stand Development ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Coast Redwood ◽  
Stand Growth ◽  
Upper Limit

Abstract Multiaged management regimes and harvesting scenarios were simulated in coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens [D. Don.] Endl.) stands using models of stand growth and yield (CRYPTOS) and stocking assessment (redwood MASAM). Various stocking and age-class combinations were modeled on site index 100 and 130 ft (50 years). Results demonstrated how the number of cohorts, upper limit of stocking, and cohort densities affected growth and yield. Board foot volume increment reached a plateau in stands with a prescribed upper limit of stocking above leaf area index 7.2 to 8.6. Productivity did not differ between stands with two to five cohorts producing the same tree size at harvest. It was affected by stand structure when a cutting cycle of 20 years was prescribed in stands with three to five cohorts. Stands with the same density returned to the upper limit of stocking much sooner on better sites. Prolonging the cutting cycle by reducing stand density resulted in larger tree sizes at harvest and greater productivity. The growth of trees remaining after cutting 10–50% of stand basal area and growth of new stump sprouts were also simulated. Stands quickly returned to preharvest stocking after light cutting, implying that heavy or frequent light cutting is needed to sustain growth and vigor of regeneration in multiaged coast redwood stands.

Comparative effects of three nitrogen fertilizers applied in fall and spring to a 29-year-old Douglas-fir plantation

1986 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 910-917 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard E. Miller ◽  
Mark V. Atherton ◽  
James E. Wilcox
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Level ◽  
Experimental Error ◽  
Volume Growth ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilizers ◽  
Site Quality ◽  
Available N ◽  
Stand Growth ◽  
Measurement Period

Stand growth and mortality were monitored for 13 years after six fertilizer treatments were applied in a 29-year-old Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) medium site quality plantation on Vancouver Island. The equivalent of 224 kg N/ha was added in either fall or spring as ammonium nitrate, urea, or urea – ammonium sulfate, which additionally supplied 56 kg S/ha. These treatments and a control were replicated three times. Foliar analyses indicated insufficient available N initially and increased available N after fertilization. Average, adjusted gross and net cubic volume growth in fertilized plots, however, did not differ from that of controls in any of the intermediate periods or in the total measurement period. This field experiment was not sensitive enough to detect real differences in 13-year growth among the seven treatments. Based on the experimental error measured in this study, seven replications would have been necessary to detect a 20% response in 13-year gross growth at the 10% confidence level; with seven replications, this 20% response would be detected in 90% of all experiments. Suggestions for improving field trials are included.

scholarly journals Developing Growth Models of Stand Volume for Subtropical Forests in Karst Areas: A Case Study in the Guizhou Plateau

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 83
Author(s):  
Yuzhi Tang ◽  
Quanqin Shao ◽  
Tiezhu Shi ◽  
Guofeng Wu
Keyword(s):  
Growth Models ◽  
Volume Growth ◽  
Site Quality ◽  
Rocky Desertification ◽  
Stand Volume ◽  
Subtropical Forests ◽  
Karst Areas ◽  
Growth Equations ◽  
Global Carbon ◽  
Guizhou Plateau

Forest stand volume is one of the key forest structural attributes in estimating and forecasting ecosystem productivity and carbon stock. However, studies on growth modeling and environmental influences on stand volume are still rare to date, especially in subtropical forests in karst areas, which are characterized by a complex species composition and are important in the global carbon budget. In this paper, we developed growth models of stand volume for all the dominant tree species (groups) (DTSG) in a subtropical karst area, the Guizhou Plateau based on an investigation of the effects of various environmental factors on stand volume. The Richards growth function, space-for-time substitution and zonal-hierarchical modeling method were applied in the model fitting, and multiple indices were used in the model evaluation. The results showed that the climatic factors of annual temperature and precipitation, as well as the site factors of stand origin, elevation, slope gradient, topsoil thickness, site quality degree, rocky desertification type and rocky desertification degree, have significant influences on stand volume, and the topsoil thickness and site quality degree have the strongest positive effect. A total of 959 growth equations of stand volume were fitted with a five-level stand classifier (DTSG–climatic zone–site quality degree–stand origin–rocky desertification type). All the growth equations were qualified, because all passed the TRE test (≤30%), and the majority of the R2 ≥ 0.50, above 70% of the RMSE were between 5.0 and 20.0, and above 80% of the P ≥ 75%. These findings provide updated knowledge about the environmental effect on the stand volume growth of subtropical forests in karst areas, and the developed stand volume growth models are convenient for forest management and planning, further contributing to the study of forest carbon storage assessments and global carbon cycling.

Bigleaf maple seedling establishment and early growth in Douglas-fir forests

1988 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 1226-1233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy S. Fried ◽  
John C. Tappeiner II ◽  
David E. Hibbs
Keyword(s):  
Seed Predation ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Seedling Emergence ◽  
Early Growth ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Stand Development ◽  
Size Distributions ◽  
Canopy Density ◽  
Successful Establishment ◽  
Survival Of Seedlings

Survival, age and height distributions, and stocking of bigleaf maple (Acermacrophyllum Pursh) seedlings were studied in 1- to 250-year-old Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) stands in western Oregon to identify the stages in stand development in which bigleaf maple is most likely to establish successfully from seed. Maple seedling emergence averaged 30–40% where seeds were planted and protected from rodents but was typically <2% for unprotected seeds. Seedling survival after 2 years was highly dependent on canopy density, measured by percent sky. Average 1st-year survival of seedlings originating from planted, protected seeds was highest in clearcuts (1–2 years old, 36% survival, 56% sky) and pole-size stands (41–80 years old, 30% survival, 17% sky) with sparse understories and canopies. It was lowest in young stands with dense canopies (20–40 years old, 4% survival, 8% sky) and old stands (81–250 years old, 14% survival, 13% sky) with dense understories. Naturally regenerated populations of bigleaf maple seedlings, which occurred in aggregations (0.005–0.04 ha in area), were most abundant (up to 10 000/ha) in pole-size Douglas-fir stands. Although seedling size distributions within stands had a strongly inverse J shaped form, size distributions within aggregations appeared more normal (bell-shaped). Seedling age rarely exceeded 15 years. Seedlings grew slowly in the understory, often reaching only 25 cm in height after 8–10 years, and were intensively browsed by deer. Naturally regenerated seedlings were virtually absent from clearcuts, probably because of dense competing vegetation and lack of seed caused by poor dispersal and seed predation. The "window" for the most successful establishment of bigleaf maple seedlings appears to begin after canopy thinning and end before forbs and shrubs invade.

scholarly journals A Novel Approach to Modelling Stand-Level Growth of an Even-Aged Forest Using a Volume Productivity Index with Application to New Zealand-Grown Coast Redwood

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark O. Kimberley ◽  
Michael S. Watt
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Growth Model ◽  
Growth Models ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Productivity Index ◽  
Site Quality ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variation ◽  
Coast Redwood

Empirical growth models are widely used to predict the growth and yield of plantation tree species, and the precise estimation of site quality is an important component of these models. The most commonly used proxy for site quality in growth models is Site Index (SI), which describes the mean height of dominant trees at a specified base age. Although SI is widely used, considerable research shows significant site-dependent variation in height for a given volume, with this latter variable more closely reflecting actual site productivity. Using a national dataset, this study develops and describes a stand-level growth and yield model for even-aged New Zealand-grown coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens). We used a novel modelling approach that quantifies site quality using SI and a volume-based index termed the 300 Index, defined as the volume mean annual increment at age 30 years for a reference regime of 300 stems ha−1. The growth model includes a number of interrelated components. Mean top height is modelled from age and SI using a polymorphic Korf function. A modified anamorphic Korf function is used to describe tree quadratic mean diameter (Dq) as a function of age, stand density, SI and a diameter site index. As the Dq model includes stand density in its formulation, it can predict tree growth for different stand densities and thinning regimes. The mortality model is based on a simple attritional equation improved through incorporation of the Reineke stand density index to account for competition-induced mortality. Using these components, the model precisely estimates stand-level volume. The developed model will be of considerable value to growers for yield projection and regime evaluation. By more robustly describing the site effect, the growth model provides researchers with an improved framework for quantifying and understanding the causes of spatial and temporal variation in plantation productivity.

scholarly journals Which Douglas-Fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) Provenances Provide the Best Productivity in the Hilly Area of Croatia?

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-17
Author(s):  
Martina Đodan ◽  
Tomislav Dubravac ◽  
Sanja Perić
Keyword(s):  
Growth Dynamics ◽  
Development Stage ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Stand Development ◽  
Hilly Area ◽  
First Results ◽  
Measure Analysis ◽  
Repeated Measure Analysis

Background and Purpose: Recently raised questions on adaptability of native tree species to climate changes pointed to Douglas-fir as a species suitable for rapid reforestation and increase of stand resistance. The first results on provenance research need to be confirmed in later stages of stand development, so the paper answers the following two questions: (i) are there differences in growth of 14 Douglas-fir provenances still in the fifth decade of stand development, and (ii) which provenances should be used and which omitted from further use in the hilly area of Croatia? Materials and Methods: Productivity of 14 provenances was evaluated on the basis of height, diameter at breast height and volume in the 46th year after planting. Growth dynamics was also statistically analysed using a repeated measure analysis of variance, for which purpose we partially used published data from the 2010. Results: The analysis excluded Castle Rock and Shady Cove (Oregon) provenances due to their low values of all analysed growth indicators, as well as Castle Rock, Elma and Hvidilde provenances due to their high values. Average values of tree volume ranged from 0.53 m3 (Shady Cove) to 2.05 m3 (Castle Rock), while the tallest trees belonged to Elma provenance (29.6 m). Conclusions: Different growth dynamics of provenances were confirmed for later development stage, so further monitoring is still required. Clear guidelines for the selection of provenances for practical forestry distinguish provenances from lower altitudes of the State of Washington, Denmark and Bulgaria as the most productive. Shady Cove and Salmon Arm provenances are not advised to be used in the future.

Yields of Southwestern Pinyon-Juniper Woodlands

1988 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 70-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick W. Smith ◽  
Thomas Schuler
Keyword(s):  
Maximum Yield ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Average Density ◽  
Pinus Edulis ◽  
Site Quality ◽  
Mixed Species ◽  
Growing Stock ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
Utah Juniper

Abstract Site quality and growth-growing stock relations were developed for southwestern woodlands of pinyon (Pinus edulis) and one-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma) or Utah juniper (J. osteosperma). Anamorphic height-age site index curves for pinyon were developed from a regional sample of 60 woodlands. Site index was unaffected by variation in stocking and was correlated with woodland yield when used in conjunction with density. Pinyon and juniper PAI, when taken separately, were highly correlated with stand density and pinyon site index. Pinyon was twice as productive as juniper at similar stand densities. Pinyon and juniper yields in woodlands of average density and site index were estimated at 0.29 and 0.15 m3ha-1y-1. At high densities pinyon and juniper yields increased to 0.61 and 0.31 m3ha-1y-1 Pinyon and juniper yields appeared independent of the density of the other species in an individual woodland. Maximum yield of dense mixed species woodlands on average sites was 0.78 m3ha-1y-1, and occurred when pinyon constituted 65% of woodland density. West. J. Appl. For. 3(3):70-74, July 1988.

scholarly journals Mapping Spatial Variations of Structure and Function Parameters for Forest Condition Assessment of the Changbai Mountain National Nature Reserve

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (24) ◽  
pp. 3004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lin Chen ◽  
Chunying Ren ◽  
Bai Zhang ◽  
Zongming Wang ◽  
Yeqiao Wang
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Condition Assessment ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Forest Age ◽  
Stand Volume ◽  
Forest Condition ◽  
And Function ◽  
Forest Conditions

Forest condition is the baseline information for ecological evaluation and management. The National Forest Inventory of China contains structural parameters, such as canopy closure, stand density and forest age, and functional parameters, such as stand volume and soil fertility. Conventionally forest conditions are assessed through parameters collected from field observations, which could be costly and spatially limited. It is crucial to develop modeling approaches in mapping forest assessment parameters from satellite remote sensing. This study mapped structure and function parameters for forest condition assessment in the Changbai Mountain National Nature Reserve (CMNNR). The mapping algorithms, including statistical regression, random forests, and random forest kriging, were employed with predictors from Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS)-2, Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2 satellite sensors, digital surface model of ALOS, and 1803 field sampled forest plots. Combined predicted parameters and weights from principal component analysis, forest conditions were assessed. The models explained spatial dynamics and characteristics of forest parameters based on an independent validation with all r values above 0.75. The root mean square error (RMSE) values of canopy closure, stand density, stand volume, forest age and soil fertility were 4.6%, 33.8%, 29.4%, 20.5%, and 14.3%, respectively. The mean assessment score suggested that forest conditions in the CMNNR are mainly resulted from spatial variations of function parameters such as stand volume and soil fertility. This study provides a methodology on forest condition assessment at regional scales, as well as the up-to-date information for the forest ecosystem in the CMNNR.

Stand growth responses after fertilization for thinned lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, and spruce in forests of interior British Columbia, Canada

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (11) ◽  
pp. 1471-1482
Author(s):  
Woongsoon Jang ◽  
Bianca N.I. Eskelson ◽  
Louise de Montigny ◽  
Catherine A. Bealle Statland ◽  
Derek F. Sattler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Picea Sitchensis ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Growth Responses

This study was conducted to quantify growth responses of three major commercial conifer species (lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Douglas ex Loudon var. latifolia Engelm. ex S. Watson), interior Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco), and spruce (white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) and hybrid spruce (Picea engelmannii Parry ex. Engelm. × Picea glauca (Moench) Voss × Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carrière))) to various fertilizer blends in interior British Columbia, Canada. Over 25 years, growth-response data were repeatedly collected across 46 installations. The fertilizer blends were classified into three groups: nitrogen only; nitrogen and sulfur combined; and nitrogen, sulfur, and boron combined. The growth responses for stand volume, basal area, and top height were calculated through absolute and relative growth rate ratios relative to a controlled group. Fertilizer blend, inverse years since fertilization, site index, stand density at fertilization, and their interactions with the fertilizer blend were used as explanatory variables. The magnitude and significance of volume and basal area growth responses to fertilization differed by species, fertilizer-blend groups, and stand-condition variables (i.e., site index and stand density). In contrast, the response in top height growth did not differ among fertilization blends, with the exception of the nitrogen and sulfur fertilizer subgroup for lodgepole pine. The models developed in this study will be incorporated into the current growth and yield fertilization module (i.e., Table Interpolation Program for Stand Yields (TIPSY)), thereby supporting guidance of fertilization applications in interior forests in British Columbia.

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