scholarly journals Variability in early height growth rate of forest trees: implications for retrospective studies of stand dynamics

1995 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 767-776 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian J. Palik ◽  
Kurt S. Pregitzer
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rates ◽  
Retrospective Studies ◽  
Accurate Determination ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Stand Dynamics ◽  
Tree Establishment ◽  
Breast Height ◽  
Pine Regeneration ◽  
Age Structures

Retrospective studies of forest stand dynamics may rely on estimates of tree ages. In some of these studies, trees are aged near the stem base, while in other studies trees may be aged at breast height. An age correction may be added to breast-height ages in an attempt to account for average time to reach breast height and thus provide better estimates of total ages. Aging at breast height can provide estimates of stem and stand ages that are sufficient and appropriate for many studies of stand dynamics, for example, those focusing on the dynamics of canopy recruitment. However, the various aging methodologies will provide similar interpretations of actual stand age structures only if early height growth rates are not variable among stems, an assumption not likely to be true. Thus, aging at breast height, with or without a correction factor, may be inappropriate in studies that rely on accurate determination of tree establishment times. In the present study, variability of early height growth rates for several tree species common to Populusgrandidentata Michx. forests is quantified by determining the number of years to reach breast height. Interpretations of stand age structures and dynamics are made based on total tree ages, breast-height ages, and corrected breast-height ages. The results are compared to explore the implications of ignoring variability in early height growth rates when interpreting development of the stands. For the study populations, early height growth rates were highly variable. Some variability was accounted for by differences in understory tolerance, establishment times, and regenerative modes. Intolerant species establishing early grew faster than more tolerant, later establishing species. Sprout-origin stems grew faster, and had much less variable growth rates, than did seed-origin stems. In the understory, hardwood regeneration grew faster than pine regeneration. Even after accounting for these factors, early height growth rates were still variable. Within replicate plots, cumulative establishment distributions based on breast-height ages always differed from those based on total ages, leading to different interpretations of stand age structures. Cumulative establishment distributions based on breast-height ages corrected for aging height differed 44% of the time from those based on total ages. The timing of understory reinitiation, an important dynamic in even-aged forests, was determined using the three aging methods and compared. The timing of understory reinitiation based on breast-height ages differed significantly from that derived using total ages, while that derived using corrected breast-height ages did not differ from the latter. These results suggest that interpretations of stand age structures and past dynamics based on breast-height ages should be viewed cautiously if the objectives of a study require accurate estimates of tree establishment times.

Modeling density-related Iodgepole pine height growth, using Czarnowski's stand dynamics theory

1993 ◽  
Vol 23 (12) ◽  
pp. 2499-2506 ◽  
Author(s):  
C J Cieszewski ◽  
I.E. Bella
Keyword(s):  
Growth Model ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Annual Growth ◽  
Stand Dynamics ◽  
Height Increment ◽  
Density Dependent ◽  
Permanent Sample Plots ◽  
Breast Height ◽  
Variable Site

This paper presents a new density-dependent height-growth model for lodgepole pine (Pinuscontorta var. latifolia Engelm.) in Alberta. It predicts stand top height growth as a function of present top height, breast height age, and density. The model is an extension of Czarnowski's stand dynamics theory, using an iterative height increment model with variable site and density components. Using 946 annual growth periods from permanent sample plots, the calibration shows a good fit and simulates reasonable values, even beyond the database.

scholarly journals Interesting times on Krakatau: stand dynamics in the 1990s

1999 ◽  
Vol 354 (1391) ◽  
pp. 1857-1867 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Whittaker ◽  
Tukirin Partomihardjo ◽  
Stephen H. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Tree Growth ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Primary Succession ◽  
Natural Disturbance ◽  
Stand Dynamics ◽  
Storm Damage ◽  
Lightning Strikes ◽  
Breast Height ◽  
Volcanic Ejecta ◽  
Low Levels

The Krakatau Islands, Indonesia, have provided an opportunity for ecologists to track primary succession from the ‘clean slate’ of 1883, through forest closure in the 1920s, to the contemporary period, in which successional changes take the form of alterations in composition and stature of forest stands rather than gross changes in ecosystem type. This paper reports on permanent forest plots established on the islands in 1989, and fully surveyed again in both 1992 and 1997. Since 1989, the plots have been subject to natural disturbance phenomena in the form of varying combinations of, for example, deposition of volcanic ejecta, landslides, lightning strikes, storm damage and drought. These effects have been concentrated between 1992 and 1997, during which the volcano Anak Krakatau has deposited ash on the islands of Sertung and Panjang, but not on Rakata. Data on stand responses are presented for growth rates (dbh (diameter at breast height, 1.3 m) increment), stem recruitment and mortality, biomass changes (partitioned into mortality, ingrowth and growth of established trees), and compositional shifts. The discussion focuses on evaluation of questions and successional models framed earlier in the programme. One general finding is that the stand dominants as of 1989 have tended to decline in number within the plots, generally through low levels of recruitment failing to balance rates of mortality. The effects of disturbance to the plots appear to be evident in terms of mortality and recruitment, dbh increment, and changes in biomass. The patterns of change in the eight plots are quite varied, such that relatively few generalizations are possible. The difficulties of establishing meaningful baseline rates for tree growth and stand biomass are discussed.

scholarly journals Slenderness of trees in black locust stands

2018 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-117
Author(s):  
Szymon Bijak ◽  
Katarzyna Orzoł
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Black Locust ◽  
Robinia Pseudoacacia ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Breast Height ◽  
Age Class ◽  
Crown Length ◽  
Research Material

Abstract This paper investigates the slenderness of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) trees in relation to the biosocial status of the trees, stand age class, crown parameters and habitat type. The research material was collected on 35 research plots in the Sława Śląska, Sulechów and Głogów forest districts in western Poland and comprises 1058 trees. For each tree, we measured height (h) as well as diameter at breast height (d) and determined its biosocial status (Kraft class), crown length (CL) and relative crown length (rCL). The age class and habitat type were assessed at the plot level. Because the obtained values for slenderness (s=h/d) diverged significantly from the normal distribution, we used Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests to investigate the influence of the above-mentioned parameters on the h/d ratio. Black locust slenderness ranged from 0.31 to 1.95 with an average of 0.91 (standard deviation 0.24). It furthermore differed significantly between Kraft classes (the higher the biosocial status, the lower the slenderness) and age classes (the older the trees, the lower their slenderness). We also found a significant effect of the habitat type (in oligotrophic sites trees formed more slender trunks than in mesotrophic sites) and crown parameters on the h/d ratio (decreasing with increasing crown length and relative crown length). The obtained results suggest that the slenderness of black locust does not differ substantially from native broadleaved trees in Poland.

A Multipoint Felled-Tree Validation of Height–Age Modeled Growth Rates

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Halli Hemingway ◽  
Mark Kimsey
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rates ◽  
Rocky Mountain ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Forest Site ◽  
Site Productivity ◽  
Site Factors ◽  
Forest Management Planning ◽  
Breast Height

Abstract Accurate measures of forest site productivity are essential for forest-management planning. The most common measure of site productivity is breast height–age site index (BHASI)—the expected height at a reference age. Error from including early growth in productivity estimates and limited applicability of any one BHASI model warrant development of alternative methods. Exploring alternatives may only be necessary if regional BHASI models are not accurately predicting growth rates. We compared modeled height growth rates for Rocky Mountain Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca) to felled-tree measurements to evaluate relative performance of a regional BHASI model. An orthogonal sampling design ensured samples were collected across a range of site factors known to influence Douglas-fir growth rates. Growth rates for each 10 m section were calculated and compared to BHASI modeled growth rates. The regional BHASI model underpredicted growth rates from breast height to 30 m. Observed growth rates from 10 to 30 m accounted for the majority of underprediction relative to BHASI modeled growth rates. An alternative multipoint method of defining site productivity is described. More research comparing BHASI and alternative methods is needed, given the growth rate error associated with one-point site productivity assessment.

Site Index Curves for Norway Spruce in Southern Ontario1

1989 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew M. Gordon ◽  
Peter A. Williams ◽  
Edward P. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Soil Texture ◽  
Sandy Soils ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Stem Analysis ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Breast Height ◽  
Drainage Class ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Four dominant or codominant Norway spruce trees from each of 55 sites were destructively sampled and the annual height growth determined by stem analysis. The sampled sites were stratified by soil textural class (coarse, medium, and fine) and depth to distinct mottling (0-16, 16-40, and 40 in.). Two sets of an-amorphic site index curves were constructed using a total age of 30 years (SI30), and breast height age of 25 years (SIBH25) as base ages. The mean SI30 from Ontario (53 ft) was found to be 17.8% higher than the mean values published from Vermont (45 ft) and currently used in Ontario. SIBH25 values had a range of 34.6 to 74.8 ft with a mean of 55.3 ft. Analysis of variance showed significant differences in SIBH25 due to soil texture and drainage class, and in years to breast height (BH) due to drainage class. SIBH25 was highest on sites with loamy soils and distinct mottling at 16-40 in. It took an average of 6.5 years for seedlings to reach BH with a range of 3 to 12 years. Years to BH was lowest on sites with sandy soils and those with distinct mottling below 40 in. North. J. Appl. For. 6(1):23-26, March 1989.

The relative influence of establishment time and height-growth rates on species vertical stratification during secondary forest succession

1991 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 1481-1490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian J. Palik ◽  
Kurt S. Pregitzer
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rates ◽  
Forest Succession ◽  
Secondary Forest ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Vertical Stratification ◽  
Relative Influence ◽  
Forest Species ◽  
Secondary Forest Succession ◽  
Species Establishment

We reconstructed the height-growth histories of individual Quercusrubra L., Fraxinusamericana L., and Acerrubrum L. growing in a 42-year-old Populusgrandidentata Michx. – Populustremuloides Michx. dominated forest. Species established contemporaneously early in the sere, but temporally separated periods of peak individual establishment occurred among species, such that the majority of Q. rubra established prior to the majority of F. americana and A. rubrum. Species vertical stratification by age 42 paralleled establishment patterns. Height-growth rates were similar among species and between different-aged individuals within species. This suggests that species vertical stratification 42 years after stand initiation was primarily a function of differences in species establishment patterns.

Growth Intercept Methods for Predicting Site Index in Red Pine Plantations in the Allegheny Plateau of Ohio

1990 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
James H. Brown ◽  
Charles A. Duncan
Keyword(s):  
Site Index ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Red Pine ◽  
Site Quality ◽  
Soil Horizon ◽  
Old Field ◽  
Annual Increment ◽  
Breast Height ◽  
Allegheny Plateau ◽  
Growth Intercept

Abstract Growth intercept (GI) techniques were evaluated for estimating site quality in red pine stands planted on old-field sites in the unglaciated Western and Central Allegheny Plateau regions of Ohio. Correlations between height growth of trees below breast height (BH) and height growth above BH were not statistically significant. Site index estimates were made using age at BH and height from BH to the growing tip. Three-year and 5-year growth beginning three internodes above the BH annual increment and 10-year growth beginning one internode above BH were more significantly correlated with height than were intercepts beginning at BH. In equations developed for predicting site index, 3-, 5-, and 10-year intercepts in combination with age accounted for 64 to 80% of the variation in tree heights. Combining thickness of the A soil horizon with GI and age statistically increased the variation accounted for in the 3- and 5-year GI equations; however, for field use, the improvement in accuracy was not sufficient to justify making the additional soil measurement. North. J. Appl. For. 7(1):27-30, March 1990.

scholarly journals Jack Pine Regeneration Following Postcut Burning under Seed Trees in Central Saskatchewan

1988 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Chrosciewicz
Keyword(s):  
Populus Tremuloides ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Pinus Banksiana ◽  
Forest Regeneration ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Timber Harvest ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Pine Regeneration ◽  
Slash Burning

An experimental burn in conjunction with a seed-tree system was successful in regenerating jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) on a fresh to somewhat moist upland, loamy till, cutover site in central Saskatchewan. About 20 well-formed, uniformly spaced seed trees per hectare were left standing during timber harvest. The ignition of logging slash was carried out under preselected weather and fuel conditions so that favorable seedbeds and adequate seed dispersal from the seed trees were produced. Four growing seasons after burning, jack pine stocking by 4-m2 quadrats was 90% with 12 195 seedlings/ha. Aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.), to a lesser degree black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] B.S.P.), and other companion tree species also regenerated with the pine. Various seedbed and regeneration characteristics as well as height growth rates are discussed. Key words: Pinus banksiana, slash burning, seed-tree system, forest regeneration, growth rates, central Saskatchewan.

scholarly journals Height Growth Pattern of Lodgepole Pine in Relation to Natural Subregions in Alberta

2004 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 154-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Geoff Wang ◽  
Shongming Huang ◽  
David J. Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Growth Pattern ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Quantitative Measure ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Growth Patterns ◽  
Volume Estimation ◽  
The Other ◽  
Breast Height ◽  
Variable Site

Abstract Based on the provincial stem analysis and permanent sample plot (PSP) data of 1,580 felled dominant and codominant trees, height growth patterns of lodgepole pine were compared among the three major natural subregions [Sub-Alpine (SAL), Upper Foothills (UFH), and Lower Foothills (LFH)] in Alberta. The comparison used the ratio of heights at 70 and 30 years of breast height age (Z ratio) as a quantitative measure of height growth pattern (i.e., the response variable), site index (height at breast height age of 50 years) as the covariate, and natural subregion as the factor. Results indicated that: (1) the height growth pattern in the SAL natural subregion was significantly different from other natural subregions; and (2) no significant differences in height growth pattern were found between other natural subregions. Two polymorphic height and site index curves were developed: one for the SAL natural subregion and the other for the UFH and LFH natural subregions. Comparisons between the two curves and the previously developed provincial curve indicated that, for the same site index, trees in the SAL subregion grow consistently slower after 50 years. When the provincial height and site index curve was applied to the SAL natural subregion, large differences (≤14%) in gross volume estimation were found. However, volume estimation differences were very small (<2%) when the provincial curve was applied to the other two natural subregions. It is recommended that the natural subregion-based curves should be used for predicting lodgepole pine site index or height at any age in the SAL natural subregion. West. J. Appl. For. 19(3):154–159.

Differential determinants of growth rates in subtropical evergreen and deciduous juvenile trees: Carbon gain, hydraulics and nutrient use efficiencies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin-Hua Qi ◽  
Ze-Xin Fan ◽  
Pei-Li Fu ◽  
Yong-Jiang Zhang ◽  
Frank Sterck
Keyword(s):  
Tree Growth ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Nutrient Use Efficiency ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Deciduous Tree ◽  
Carbon Gain ◽  
Evergreen Species ◽  
Nutrient Use ◽  
Use Efficiency

Abstract Growth rate varies across plant species and represents an important ecological strategy for competition, resource use and fitness. However, empirical studies often show a low predictability of functional traits to tree growth. We measured stem diameter and height growth rates of 96 juvenile trees (2 to 5 m tall) of eight evergreen and eight deciduous broadleaf tree species over three consecutive years in a subtropical forest in southwestern China. We examined the relationships between tree growth rates and 20 leaf/stem traits that associated with carbon gain, stem hydraulics and nutrient use efficiency, as well as the difference between evergreen and deciduous trees. We found that cross-species variations of stem diameter/height growth rate can be predicted by leaf photosynthetic capacity, leaf mass per area, xylem theoretical specific hydraulic conductivity, wood density and photosynthetic nutrient use efficiencies. Higher leaf carbon assimilation and lower leaf/stem constructing costs facilitate deciduous species to be more resource acquisitive and consequently faster growth within a relatively shorter growing season, whereas evergreen species exhibit a more conservative strategies and thus slower growth. Further, stem growth rates of evergreen species showed were more dependence on leaf carbon gains, whereas stem hydraulic efficiency were more important for deciduous tree growth. Our results suggest that physiological traits (photosynthesis, hydraulics, nutrient use efficiency) can predict tree diameter and height growth of subtropical tree species. The differential resource acquisition and use strategies and their associations with tree growth between evergreen and deciduous trees provide insights in explaining the co-existence of evergreen and deciduous tree species in subtropical forests.

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