Age and size structure of natural and second-growth peatland Piceamariana stands

1994 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 225-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur Groot ◽  
Brian J. Horton
Keyword(s):  
Age Structure ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Size Structure ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Forest Harvesting ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Natural Stands ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Site Types

Age and size structures were determined in 40 stands of black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) growing on peatlands and transitional peatlands in northeastern Ontario, Canada. Natural and second-growth stands representing several site types were examined. The age structure of natural black spruce stands varied from even aged in young stands (<160 years) to uneven aged in older stands. Uneven-aged black spruce stands on nutrient-poor peats appear to be self perpetuating in the absence of intense disturbance. Natural stands on more fertile peats or on transitional peatlands are less likely to escape disturbance and more likely to undergo succession to other species. Second-growth stands, which originated after forest harvesting 50–70 years ago, were uneven-aged, although a high frequency of stems commonly occurred in the age-class associated with the time of harvesting. The age and size structures of second-growth stands currently differ from that of natural stands, but will likely become similar to natural stands over time.

Évolution de la régénération de peuplements résineux et mélangés au cours des 30 années après coupe à blanc mécanisée

1998 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 428-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Claude Ruel ◽  
François Ouellet ◽  
Roch Plusquellec ◽  
Chhun-Huor Ung
Keyword(s):  
Black Spruce ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Stand Dynamics ◽  
Mixed Stands ◽  
Significant Component ◽  
Advance Regeneration ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Coupe À Blanc

This paper presents results from a 30 year monitoring of 15 clearcut areas. Study areas were located before cutting in stands having an abundant advance regeneration. Four study areas were initially dominated by black spruce, four by balsam fir, three by jack pine and the last four comprised a mix of species. Stand inventories and regeneration surveys were conducted before harvesting. Harvesting was done in regular logging operations, without any special care to protect the advance growth. Regeneration surveys were taken again after harvesting, 5 years, 10 years, 20 years and 30 years after harvesting. Black spruce stands regenerated to black spruce dominated stands. Balsam fir, which was sometimes abundant in the advance regeneration, did not invade the stands and the abundance of hardwoods was temporary. In some cases a reduction in yield is to be expected. In balsam fir stands, harwoods were more aggressive. A reduction in softwood yield is predicted for three of the four cutovers. The presence of a tall regeneration seems to lead to higher yields in black spruce and balsam fir stands. The evolution of jack pine and mixed stands is quite variable. In some jack pine stands, hardwoods will constitute a significant component of the new stand. In some mixed stands, softwoods are not very abundant whereas in others they form an important part of the stand at 30 years. This study has shown an urgent need for a better understanding of stand dynamics in young stands. Such an understanding is necessary for an adequate forecast of the yield of second growth stands.

Croissance en hauteur à long terme de la régénération préétablie dans des pessières noires boréales régénérées par marcottage, au Québec

1992 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 613-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raynald Paquin ◽  
René Doucet
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Growth Patterns ◽  
Dominant Position ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Effective Age ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
To Come

Height-growth patterns of black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) in the boreal forest were studied in layer-origin stands released by clear-cutting in the first half of this century. Most stems responded to release brought about by clear-cutting of the main stand. Initially, small stems responded more rapidly and more strongly, but their height-growth rate culminated between 20 and 30 years following release, the same period when height-growth rate culminated for the taller, older stems. After the culmination period, growth rates were independent of height at the time of release. Consequently, the taller stems at time of release were able to maintain their dominant position. Height growth over the recent years indicates that this position could be maintained in the years to come, and even indefinitely. It seems that second-growth black spruce stands behave like even-aged stands despite their uneven-aged structure. Consequently, years since release and stem height are more accurate measures of stem effective age than total age. Moreover, the taller stems in the understory, which are usually considerably older, should be considered to be as valuable as smaller regeneration when a stand is cut.

Initial size hierarchy development within second-growth black spruce stands

1990 ◽  
Vol 20 (11) ◽  
pp. 1720-1731 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter F. Newton
Keyword(s):  
Black Spruce ◽  
Structural Development ◽  
Initial Size ◽  
Size Hierarchy ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
Size Inequality ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Temporal And Spatial ◽  
Tree Vigour

Size hierarchy development is a commonly observed structural feature within naturally regenerating forest tree populations. The objective of this study was to describe initial size hierarchy development within second-growth black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) stands. Three dense black spruce stands that developed naturally following conventional cut and skid harvesting, conducted in 1970, were selected for analysis within insular Newfoundland. Employing historical stand reconstruction techniques within 13 temporary sample plots of variable size, temporal and spatial establishment patterns, structural development patterns, and competitive relationships were described. Size inequality peaked during the period in which 87.5% of the population became established (degree of inequality within the height and volume frequency distributions as measured by the Gini coefficient). Subsequently, size inequality and asymmetry decreased (degree of asymmetry within the volume frequency distribution as measured by the skewness coefficient and Shapiro–Wilk's W statistic). The rate of decline in size inequality and asymmetry was inversely proportional to stand density. Temporal declines in individual-tree vigour across size classes were approximately proportional (vigour as measured by relative volume production rate). These patterns suggested competition was symmetric (individuals share the finite environmental resources equally or in direct proportion to their relative sizes). However, variation in individual-tree vigour, possibly due to temporal and spatial establishment pattern heterogeneity, negated the conclusive acceptance of the resource depletion hypothesis. Based on these observations, a size hierarchy developmental pattern is proposed for second-growth black spruce stands.

Aboveground dry matter partitioning, size variation, and competitive processes within second-growth black spruce stands

1993 ◽  
Vol 23 (9) ◽  
pp. 1917-1929 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.F. Newton ◽  
P.A. Jolliffe
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Size Variation ◽  
Resource Depletion ◽  
Dry Matter Partitioning ◽  
Frequency Distributions ◽  
Mass Distributions ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Curvilinear Relationships

Three density-stressed black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) populations that naturally regenerated following harvesting in 1970 were selected for study within central insular Newfoundland. Employing historical tree and stand reconstruction techniques, bark, stem, branch, foliage, and total mass distributions were estimated by age-class. Regression analysis was used to assess the effect of density stress on distributional indices, and stepwise multivariate analysis of variance was used to investigate dry matter partitioning patterns. Bark and foliar mass proportions increased with increasing density stress, whereas stem and branch mass proportions declined. Among components, decreased stem proportions best expressed the effects of increasing density stress on dry matter partitioning. Asymmetry within the mass frequency distributions for bark, branch, and foliar components shifted from negative skewness at low relative densities to positive values at high relative densities. Inequality (mass concentration) within the stem mass frequency distributions remained constant, whereas inequality within the bark mass frequency distribution declined in direct proportion to increasing density stress. Inequality within both the branch and foliar mass distributions had curvilinear relationships with increasing density stress: inequality increased from low to intermediate levels of density stress, but declined thereafter. Specific leaf areas did not differ among trees of varying size, suggesting that competition for light may not have been of consequence within the sampled stands. The results are consistent with a resource depletion competitive process, implying that competition within the dense second-growth black spruce stands may have been principally for belowground resources.

Lumber grade yield, and value of plantation-grown black spruce from 3 stands in northwestern Ontario

2009 ◽  
Vol 85 (4) ◽  
pp. 609-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas E.B. Reid ◽  
Steven Young ◽  
Queju Tong ◽  
S Y Zhang ◽  
Dave M Morris
Keyword(s):  
Black Spruce ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Modulus Of Rupture ◽  
Intensive Silviculture ◽  
Bending Modulus ◽  
Northwestern Ontario ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Design Values

Three black spruce plantations in northwestern Ontario, with varied stand densities and site indices were studied to determine lumber properties and yield. Based on visual grading rules, each stand produced at least 87% No. 2 and Better grade lumber. Wane and skip were the 2 most prominent defects causing lumber downgrades. The compliance of visually graded No. 2 and Better lumber with bending modulus of elasticity (MOE) design values for visual grades varied among stands, as did the proportion that qualified as machine stress-rated (MSR) lumber. MOE and Modulus of Rupture (MOR) differed among stands, consistent with differences in MSR yield. The stand with the highest density and the lowest site index produced the highest yield of MSR grade lumber, but not the highest compliance with bending MOE design values. Regardless of the grading scenario, the most productive stand with the largest average tree size produced the highest value per hectare ($28K per ha) under an MSR grading scenario. These results suggest that MSR grading can improve revenues, and that it will be needed to maintain market confidence in the quality of lumber from second-growth black spruce stands. Key words: lumber quality, Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP, market value, density regulation, stand-level effects, intensive silviculture

scholarly journals Dynamique et estimation du rendement des strates de retour après coupe totale dans la sapinière à bouleau jaune

2006 ◽  
Vol 82 (5) ◽  
pp. 675-689 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Dubois ◽  
Jean-Claude Ruel ◽  
Jean-Gabriel Elie ◽  
Louis Archambault
Keyword(s):  
Soil Type ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Choristoneura Fumiferana ◽  
Type Structure ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Stand Dynamics ◽  
Advance Regeneration ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Stand Type

A total of 48 plots originating from clearcuts were studied in the balsam fir-yellow birch ecological domain of the province of Quebec, Canada, using dendrochronology. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of pre-cut stand type, structure and abundance of regeneration after logging, and soil type on stand dynamics. Results indicate a relationship between pre-cut stand type and the composition of second-growth stands. Ecological characteristics must be taken into account in order to estimate the abundance of advance regeneration and predict the evolution of stocking. Results also show that the structure of regeneration, described by a diameter index, can help in predicting yield at age 38. Devastation by the spruce budworm played a major role in second-growth stand dynamics making it difficult to predict balsam fir yield. The study has also shown an increase in intolerant hardwoods and a low softwood production on rich sites. Black spruce stands came back to black spruce.Key words: mixedwoods, succession, regeneration survey, yield, Choristoneura fumiferana

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.

Changes in DOC and DON fluxes in response to harvest intensity of black-spruce-dominated forest ecosystems in northwestern Ontario

2009 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dave M Morris
Keyword(s):  
Dissolved Organic Nitrogen ◽  
Organic Nitrogen ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Site Type ◽  
Northwestern Ontario ◽  
Clearcut Harvesting ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Forest Floors ◽  
Source Sink ◽  
Site Types

The current study was conducted to quantify and compare dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) fluxes through black-spruce-dominated forests, to compare the source/sink characteristics of sphagnum- versus feathermoss-dominated forest floors, and to identify changes in DOC and DON flow patterns occurring as a result of clearcut harvesting. After 2 yr of pre-harvest monitoring, replicated, experimental harvests of varying intensities of biomass removals were conducted followed by 4 yr of post-harvest sampling. Prior to harvest, the upland site type, dominated by feathermoss, was a significant source of DOC and DON, whereas, the wet-sphagnum-dominated sites exported minor amounts of these solutes. After harvest, DOC and DON fluxes peaked in the second year, but then dropped off significantly to at or below pre-harvest levels. On the upland site type, chipper debris appeared to be a major source of DOC and DON generating fluxes well above the pre-harvest levels. On the wetter site types, it appeared that microclimate differences between harvest treatments had a stronger influence on DOC and DON production than did the amount or type of harvest residue. Full-tree harvesting did not significantly alter the production of DOC and DON when compared with stem-only harvesting on the sites included in this study. Key words: DOC, DON, forest floor leachate, black spruce, harvesting response

Effects of forest plantation management on herbaceous-layer composition and diversity

2002 ◽  
Vol 80 (4) ◽  
pp. 378-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark R Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Forest Harvesting ◽  
Herbaceous Layer ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Forest Habitat ◽  
Total Species Richness ◽  
Plantation Age ◽  
Intensively Managed ◽  
Natural Stands

I compared the species composition and diversity of vascular plants in the herbaceous layer from a chronosequence of intensively managed spruce (Picea) plantations in three age-classes (5–7, 10–12, 14–16 years) with natural, mature stands (ca. 90 years) in southeastern New Brunswick, Canada. Total species richness (stand level) averaged 81–84 species in the three plantation age-classes compared with 64 species in the natural stands; richness of forest habitat species alone was 33–36 in the plantations and 37 in the natural stands. More fertile sites had significantly higher values for Hill's diversity indices (N0, N1, N2). Mean N0, N1, and N2 (subplot level) did not differ among stand types for all species, but N1 and N2 were significantly greater in the natural stands than in one or two plantation age-classes for forest habitat species alone. The two younger age-classes of plantations differed significantly in composition from the natural stands and the plantations became slightly more similar (Sørensen's index) to the natural stands with increasing age. One forest habitat species was lost and 24 others decreased in cover in the plantations. Tracking of plantations over a longer time period will be needed to determine whether these forest habitat species eventually regain their former abundance.Key words: chronosequence, forest harvesting, herbaceous layer, plantations, species diversity, species composition.

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