Comparative growth and yield of layer- and seed-origin black spruce (Piceamariana) stands in Quebec

1992 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 465-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hubert Morin ◽  
Réjean Gagnon
Keyword(s):  
Specific Volume ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Historical Records ◽  
Initial Height ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
Volume Increment ◽  
Seed Origin ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fire Origin

Stem analysis was used to compare the height, diameter at breast height, and volume growth of seven merchantable black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) stands regenerated after harvesting from advance growth of layer origin with the growth of three merchantable black spruce stands regenerated after fire from seed. The year of harvesting in the second-growth stands was precisely determined using synchronous growth release after logging, scars left by the logging operation, and historical records. The year of the fires in seed-origin stands was determined using fire scars and historical records. Fire-origin stands showed typical even-aged structure, and logged, second-growth stands showed an uneven-aged structure associated with an asymmetric curve. When compared with seed-origin stands, layer-origin stands showed a significantly greater total height 30 years after the stand origin because of the initial height of the layers. However, annual height increments were similar between the two origin types at 30 years. The mean diameter increment at 30 years was significantly higher in the second-growth stands. The mean annual specific volume increment values for the entire period of growth were slightly higher for the fire-origin stands. Layers that were small at the time of logging (<1 m) had a higher specific volume increment after logging compared with the medium (1–2 m) and tall layers (>2 m). There was a significant negative correlation between the height, diameter, and age of the layers at the time of logging and both the mean specific volume increment and the mean annual height increment 30 years after logging. In the second-growth stands, the number of merchantable trees and volume increment increased gradually because of the uneven structure of the stands. In contrast, in the seed-origin stands, the trees attained merchantable size at around 30 years after the fire, and the merchantable volume rose rapidly after this. The layer-origin populations had a significant advantage over the seed-origin populations because of the initial height and diameter of the layers at the time of logging. All seven layer-origin stands achieved, or were predicted to achieve, higher merchantable volumes than the seed-origin stands at 40 years. Our results indicate that the second-growth stands growing on mesic sites have the potential to produce merchantable forests comparable to the yield tables available for black spruce provided that the number of stems per hectare is adequate.

Comparaison de la croissance de marcottes d'épinette noire (Piceamariana) adultes après coupe à celle d'individus issus de graines après feu

1992 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. 1524-1535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Martin Lussier ◽  
Hubert Morin ◽  
Réjean Gagnon
Keyword(s):  
Specific Volume ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Volume Growth ◽  
Stem Analysis ◽  
Initial Height ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
Volume Increment ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Moment

Analysis was performed on 112 stems of black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) BSP) from the Réserve faunique des Laurentides to compare the growth in height, DBH, and volume of layers released by clear-cutting to the growth of individuals of comparable age originating from seeds after fire. The sampled stands originated from fires and clear-cuttings that occurred between 1894 and 1941. Stem analysis also permitted the calculation of specific volume increment, which corresponds to the annual volume increment divided by the surface of the cambium. Results show that height, DBH, and volume measured 60 years after clear-cutting were better correlated to the height of the advanced growth at the moment of release (Ho) than to the number of years of suppression. The mean annual increments in height and DBH of released layers were positively related to height at the year of logging when the height was less than 2 m. When layers were taller, mean annual increments in height and DBH were negatively related to initial height. These relationships were however variable, since for two-thirds of the stand's life, the periodic annual increments in height and diameter did not differ significantly (α = 0.05) between small (Ho < 1 m ), medium (1 m ≤ Ho ≤ 2 m), and large second-growth spruces (Ho > 2 m). The superiority of taller layers is consequently due to greater heights before release. Volume growth rate of layers was positively related to initial height until approximately 60 years after clear-cutting. However, no differences in specific volume increment could be associated with initial height. Therefore, the relationship between initial height and volume increment can be attributed to the difference of cambial area between small, medium, and large second-growth spruces. Black spruce originating from seeds had greater height, DBH, and specific volume increments than second-growth trees, until about 50 years after stand origin. Thereafter, growth rates are comparable. Consequently, after 40 years, stands originating from seeds are comparable in height, volume, and DBH to layers that reached between 1 and 2 m in height after clear-cutting. Neither drainage class nor point density had a significant effect on the sampled black spruces. Stem analysis also revealed an important growth reduction that can be associated with the last spruce budworm (Choristoneurafumiferana Clem.) outbreak in the Réserve faunique des Laurentides. We can deduce from the results of this study that the performance of second-growth stands compared with fire-origin stands will mainly depend on the density of the advanced growth and its height structure.

Pitch Canker Impact on Volume Growth: A Case Study In Slash Pine Plantations

1984 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loukas G. Arvanitis ◽  
John F. Goodbee ◽  
Iris Porta
Keyword(s):  
Volume Growth ◽  
Slash Pine ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Pitch Canker ◽  
Diameter Class ◽  
Tree Diameter ◽  
Volume Increment ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Measurements from 26 permanent test plots established in slash pine (Pinus elliotti var. elliotti Engelm.) plantations of northeast Florida and southeast Georgia in 1976 have been used to assess the impact of pitch canker on growth and yield of trees over time. The plots were remeasured annually for five years. The mean annual volume increment for infected trees was between 60 and 81 percent of that of the healthy trees. Trees that were repeatedly infected grew proportionately less, over the five-year period, than those that were infected only once or twice. The five-year periodic volume increment for the most severely infected trees was between one-third and two-thirds of that of healthy trees in the same diameter class. Incidence of infection was not correlated with tree diameter. The overall cubic foot volume loss due to growth suppression and mortality amounted to 4.5 percent of the expected total volume in 1981. This loss represents 15 percent of the anticipated five-year volume growth.

How long do trees take to reach breast height after fire in northeastern Ontario?

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (10) ◽  
pp. 1889-1892 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stan Vasiliauskas ◽  
Han YH Chen
Keyword(s):  
Black Spruce ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Site Conditions ◽  
Trembling Aspen ◽  
White Birch ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Stand Establishment ◽  
Breast Height ◽  
Fire Origin

Accurate determination of stand establishment ages is important in developing growth and yield models and in studying stand dynamics of fire-origin stands. The study objective was to determine time to reach breast height for black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP), jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.), trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.), and white birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) from fire origin stands under different site conditions in northeastern Ontario. Stands were randomly selected from burns with known fire dates. In each stand, three to six dominant and codominant trees of a selected species were cored at breast height (1.3 m above the ground level) to determine time to reach breast height. Trembling aspen and white birch did not differ for time to reach breast height after fire, taking 6 or 7 years, jack pine took marginally longer (8 years), whereas black spruce took the longest (18 years). While time to reach breast height did not vary among site conditions as described by soil texture and moisture regime, it was positively related to time since fire. The results of this study indicate that stand establishment dates and total tree ages can be substantially underestimated if breast height age is used as the stand age, resulting in misinterpretations of growth and yield and forest succession.

A reexamination of moose damage to balsam fir–white birch forests in central Newfoundland: 27 years later

1993 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 1388-1395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian D. Thompson ◽  
William J. Curran
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Forest Canopy ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Forest Growth ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Isle Royale ◽  
White Birch ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
The Mean

A 1960 study from central Newfoundland suggested that moose (Alcesalces L.) would: (i) reduce the commercial value of second-growth forests of central Newfoundland by excessive damage to balsam fir (Abiesbalsamea (L.) Mill.); (ii) eliminate white birch (Betulapapyrifera Marsh.) from the forest canopy; (iii) alter conifer species composition; and (iv) reduce the carrying capacity of the area for moose. We resurveyed the original study areas in 1987. Our data suggest that moose have altered species composition in favour of white spruce (Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss) and black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) on some sites and have reduced the mean height of balsam fir trees. White birch was generally absent from the canopy. However, contrary to the 1960 prediction, moose appear to have had a positive influence on forest growth by thinning most areas to stem densities comparable with those of precommercially thinned stands. Data from this study were compared with a general model of the influence of moose on balsam fir forests developed for Isle Royale, Michigan. Our data supported two predictions from Isle Royale: moose damage was highest at low balsam fir densities and at highest moose densities. Our results contradicted a third prediction, that height growth was greater in high density stands of saplings. Also, unlike at Isle Royale, despite heavy browsing pressure for extended periods, balsam fir will continue to dominate central Newfoundland forests.

Vertical patterns in specific volume increment along stems of dominant jack pine (Pinus banksiana) and black spruce (Picea mariana) after thinning

2012 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 733-748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Venceslas Goudiaby ◽  
Suzanne Brais ◽  
Frank Berninger ◽  
Robert Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Picea Mariana ◽  
Specific Volume ◽  
Pinus Banksiana ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Mass Density ◽  
Volume Growth ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Stem Volume ◽  
Volume Increment ◽  
Foliage Density

Jack pine ( Pinus banksiana Lamb.) and black spruce ( Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) total stem volume increment and vertical growth distribution after thinning were quantified and related to foliage biomass, foliage density, and growth efficiency (GE) (stem to foliage biomass ratio). Significant positive stem volume increments were observed following thinning for jack pine (3 years after) and black spruce (4 years after). Both species reacted differently in terms of the distribution in specific volume increments (SVI) (annual stem volume increment to cambial surface ratio): (i) for jack pine, an increase in SVI was first observed at the base of the tree, with the increase moving upwards, showing that the taper was likely to increase following thinning and (ii) for black spruce, the vertical distribution of SVI was constant, leading to no modifications in stem taper. For jack pine, total stem volume growth was related to an increase in GE and a greater foliage biomass at midcrown, with foliage density staying constant. For black spruce, however, no changes in GE, foliage biomass, and foliage mass density were observed.

Évolution de la structure diamétrale et production ligneuse des pessières noires issues de coupe et de feu

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 526-538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Martin Lussier ◽  
Hubert Morin ◽  
Réjean Gagnon
Keyword(s):  
20Th Century ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Initial Structure ◽  
Evolution Pattern ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Diameter Structure ◽  
Recruitment Period ◽  
Fire Origin

The widespread use of careful logging in the province of Quebec raises many questions about the effects of this practice on the structure and productivity of boreal black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) stands compared with fire-origin stands that are currently being harvested. The objective of this study is to describe and compare the evolution pattern of the diameter structure of stands originating from fire or logging dating back to the first half of the 20th century. The dendrochronological approach allowed the reconstitution of the dynamics of 40- to 96-year-old stands. Second-growth stands differ from fire-origin stands by their highly hierarchized initial structure. After the recruitment period, the degree of hierarchy of the structure of second-growth and fire-origin stands is comparable. After logging, the diameter structure of black spruce stands keeps a higher skewness index than that of stands originating from fire. For both stand types the skewness decreases or remains constant with time, which invalidates the model proposed by Mohler et al. (C.L. Mohler, P.L. Marks, and D.G. Sprugel. 1978. J. Ecol. 66: 599–614). This observation questions the existence of a strong asymmetric competition among trees in black spruce stands. Results indicate that the yield of black spruce stands originating from clearcuts from the early 20th century is higher than or equal to fire-origin stands mainly because (i) basal area was maintained to levels higher than or equal to fire-origin stands and (ii) most advanced growth was taller that 1 m at the time of logging.

scholarly journals The influence of site tree selection method on site index determination and yield prediction in black spruce stands in northeastern Québec

2004 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
pp. 134-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Mailly ◽  
Sylvain Turbis ◽  
Isabelle Auger ◽  
David Pothier
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Standard Procedure ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Site Quality ◽  
Forest Site ◽  
Yield Table ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Using Data

Site index is a common and convenient indicator of forest site productivity. The concept is well suited for growth and yield predictions, although there appears to be no universal consensus on the type or number of site trees needed for its application. We compared four methods for assessing site quality using data from black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) stands of northeastern Québec. Data were analysed with a univariate repeated measures analysis of variance design using the MIXED procedure of the SAS system. Significant differences were found between the method based on the mean height of the 100 largest trees per hectare and three other methods that calculate site index using information from average site trees (codominants and dominants) and an equation to estimate top height from stand level data. We concur with many others that using the mean height of the 100 largest trees per hectare is a more standard procedure than simple averages of codominant and dominant tree heights for site quality assessment and growth modelling. We recommend that the next yield table system developed in the province should be based on top height trees, instead of using average codominants and dominants and an equation to estimate dominant height. Key words: site index, top height, yield table, site trees

Growth table for Corsican pine in Flanders (Belgium)

1991 ◽  
Vol 56 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Meuleman
Keyword(s):  
Insect Pests ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Forest Tree ◽  
Permanent Plots ◽  
New Findings ◽  
Volume Increment ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Annual Volume ◽  
Very High

After  its introduction at the start of this century, the Corsican pine has become  an important forest tree in Flanders (Belgium). The total area covered by  Corsican pine is about 11.000 ha. Due to climatological factors it is  virtually absent from the Walloon part of Belgium. Despite the crisis in 1984  - 1986, practical experiences with its vitality and disease resistance are  generally positive. Compared to Scots pine which is native to Belgium, its  productivity and insensitivity for insect pests is large.     To quantify the productivity of Corsican pine, a growth table was  constructed using a method developed by PALM and DAGNELIE. It was based on  data from 321 temporarily and 80 permanent plots distributed over Flanders.  Five yield classes were distinguished according to dominant height at 50  years. For each yield class, a series of tables as a function of treatment  was constructed. Treatments were characterized by the mean annual  circumference increment.     These tables allow to predict the growth of Corsican pines. Such  predictions for the whole range of species are necessary for the development  of a good forestry policy and for timber industries. The tables also provide  information for any given Corsican pine stand that is helpful in practice:  expected productivity, stand density, determination of the felling quantum.      The data show that the productivity of Corsican pine is very high. The very  early culmination of the current annual volume increment and the rather  constant level of the mean annual volume increment after culmination are  interesting new findings. It is also shown that it is possible to work with  long rotation periods. This offers good opportunities for the production of  high quality wood and is also important for the social and ecological role of  the forest.     Productivity is lowest on very dry and sandy soils. A high productivity on  moderately dry sand and loamy sand soils and loamy soils make the Corsican  pine one of the most valuable tree species for the Kempen in Flanders.  Although productivity is very high on well drained sandy loam and loam soils,  plantation of Corsican pine on these locations is not advised.

scholarly journals Mixed Regional Shifts in Conifer Productivity under 21st-Century Climate Projections in Canada’s Northeastern Boreal Forest

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 248
Author(s):  
Tyler Searls ◽  
James Steenberg ◽  
Xinbiao Zhu ◽  
Charles P.-A. Bourque ◽  
Fan-Rui Meng
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Model Validation ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Acer Rubrum ◽  
Forest Growth ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Climate Projections

Models of forest growth and yield (G&Y) are a key component in long-term strategic forest management plans. Models leveraging the industry-standard “empirical” approach to G&Y are frequently underpinned by an assumption of historical consistency in climatic growing conditions. This assumption is problematic as forest managers look to obtain reliable growth predictions under the changing climate of the 21st century. Consequently, there is a pressing need for G&Y modelling approaches that can be more robustly applied under the influence of climate change. In this study we utilized an established forest gap model (JABOWA-3) to simulate G&Y between 2020 and 2100 under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5 in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Simulations were completed using the province’s permanent sample plot data and surface-fitted climatic datasets. Through model validation, we found simulated basal area (BA) aligned with observed BA for the major conifer species components of NL’s forests, including black spruce [Picea mariana (Mill.) Britton et al.] and balsam fir [Abies balsamea (L.) Mill]. Model validation was not as robust for the less abundant species components of NL (e.g., Acer rubrum L. 1753, Populus tremuloides Michx., and Picea glauca (Moench) Voss). Our simulations generally indicate that projected climatic changes may modestly increase black spruce and balsam fir productivity in the more northerly growing environments within NL. In contrast, we found productivity of these same species to only be maintained, and in some instances even decline, toward NL’s southerly extents. These generalizations are moderated by species, RCP, and geographic parameters. Growth modifiers were also prepared to render empirical G&Y projections more robust for use under periods of climate change.

Electrical resistance measurements on young balsam fir trees in relation to specific volume increment, foliar biomass, and ion content of bark and wood

1984 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Plene ◽  
R. G. Thompson ◽  
J. E. McIsaac ◽  
D. S. Fensom
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Resistance ◽  
Specific Volume ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Ion Content ◽  
Volume Increment ◽  
Electrical Resistance Measurements ◽  
Foliar Biomass

Electrical resistance in young balsam fir (Abiesbalsamea (L.) Mill.) trees was inversely (nonlinear) correlated with specific volume increment, total foliar biomass, and the combined weight of the current and 1-year-old foliage. These relationships were stronger before budbreak than after. No relationship existed between concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg in the bark and wood collected around time of budbreak, and electrical resistance.

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