Assessing processes of intraspecific competition within spatially heterogeneous black spruce stands

1998 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 259-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
P F Newton ◽  
P A Jolliffe
Keyword(s):  
Resource Competition ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Relative Size ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Stem Growth ◽  
Growth Data ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Local Competition ◽  
Standardized Regression Coefficients ◽  
Spruce Stands

The objective of this study was to develop and subsequently apply an individual-tree analytical approach for assessing resource competition processes within monospecific, even-aged, and spatially heterogeneous black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) stands. The approach consisted of five basic steps: (1) ranking competitors with respect to subject tree size using a relative scale, (2) stratifying competitors into competition strata based on their relative size differential with respect to a subject tree, (3) quantifying the intensity of competition within each stratum using spatially explicit local competition indices and subsequently formulating directional-specific cumulative indices, (4) regressing relative measures of stem growth against each directional-specific index, and (5) graphically and statistically assessing differences in resultant standardized regression coefficients as competition accumulated upward from below and downward from above. This analytical framework was used with stem growth data derived from 401 subject trees situated within 18 monospecific, even-aged, density-stressed, and spatially heterogeneous black spruce stands. The results indicated directional-specific asymmetrical relationships between subject trees and their neighbours in which increasing competition from above resulted in declines in stem production. Consequently, these results were in accord with those expected when competition is dominated by a resource preemption process.

Predicting basal area increment in a spatially explicit, individual tree model: a test of competition measures with black spruce

2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 435-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Mailly ◽  
Sylvain Turbis ◽  
David Pothier
Keyword(s):  
Black Spruce ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Basal Area Increment ◽  
Spatially Explicit ◽  
Competition Index ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Spatial Indices ◽  
Crown Shape ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Competition Indices

A current trend in the development of forest stand models is to use spatially explicit, individual-tree information to simulate forest dynamics with increased accuracy. By adding spatial information, such as tree coordinates, crown shape, and size, it is hypothesized that the computation of the model's driving function is improved over traditional competition indices, especially when simulating multistoried stands. In this paper, we want to test whether computationally demanding competition indices outperform traditional indices in predicting mean basal area increment. The study was undertaken in old, uneven-aged black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) stands in northeastern Quebec, Canada. The predictability of individual tree growth rates was related to crown dimensions and other stand and tree variables measured in the field. Data were collected from 90 trees coming from stands of varying site quality (range 9.6–16.5 m height at 50 years, age taken at 1 m) and age (range 66–257 years). Hegyis's distance-dependent competition index was found to be the most strongly correlated competition measure (r = 0.57) with mean basal area growth of the last 20 years. This value, 12% higher than the value obtained from the best distance-independent competition index (r = 0.45), clearly shows that precision gains can be achieved when estimating basal area increment with spatial indices in black spruce stands. Using indices computed from virtual hemispherical images did not prove superior to simpler distance-dependent indices based on their individual correlations with basal area increment. When included in a basal area increment model for the last 20 years of growth, however, the gains in precision were comparable to Hegyi's competition index. This indicates that indices derived from a hemispherical approach have some value in spatially explicit forest simulations models but that further tests using younger stands are needed to confirm this result in black spruce stands.

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 responses of black spruce to directional-specific indices of local competition

2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (10) ◽  
pp. 1832-1845 ◽  
Author(s):  
P F Newton ◽  
P A Jolliffe
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Relative Size ◽  
Appreciable Effect ◽  
Dry Matter Partitioning ◽  
Competition Analysis ◽  
Local Competition ◽  
Age Class ◽  
Mass Proportion ◽  
The Individual

This study assessed the effects of directional-specific indices of local competition on the partitioning of aboveground dry matter of individual black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) trees. Historical tree reconstruction sampling techniques were used to estimate stem, branch, and foliage ovendry masses by year of formation (cohort age-class) of 125 subject trees situated within 15 density-stressed stands. Component-specific modular mass proportion calculated on an individual and cumulative cohort age-class basis was employed as an index of dry matter partitioning. Analytically, local competitors were stratified into one of four competition classes based on their relative size differential with respect to the subject tree. Sequential competition analysis was used to assess directional-specific partitioning responses to competition accumulating upwards from below and downwards from above. Furthermore, within the sequential competition analysis framework, the effects of the individual competition strata on partitioning were assessed employing stepwise multivariate analysis of variance. The results supported the presence of an asymmetric relationship dominated by competition from above in which branch partitioning was the most affected. Specifically, competition from larger-sized competitors resulted in decreased branch mass proportions whereas competition from smaller-sized competitors had no appreciable effect. These results are in accord with the hypothesis that black spruce responds to competition via an adaptive phenotypic plastic response in which branch growth declines and (or) branch abscission rates increase with increasing competition from above.

scholarly journals Stable Coexistence in a Field-Calibrated Individual-Based Model of Mangrove Forest Dynamics Caused by Inter-Specific Crown Plasticity

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 955
Author(s):  
Uwe Grueters ◽  
Mohd Rodila Ibrahim ◽  
Hartmut Schmidt ◽  
Katharina Tiebel ◽  
Hendrik Horn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Dynamics ◽  
Mangrove Forest ◽  
Resource Competition ◽  
Standing Stock ◽  
Mean Field ◽  
Individual Based Model ◽  
Local Competition ◽  
Competition Theory ◽  
Crown Plasticity ◽  
Classical Competition

(1,2) In this theoretical study, we apply MesoFON, a field-calibrated individual-based model of mangrove forest dynamics, and its Lotka–Volterra interpretations to address two questions: (a) Do the dynamics of two identical red mangrove species that compete for light resources and avoid inter-specific competition by lateral crown displacement follow the predictions of classical competition theory or resource competition theory? (b) Which mechanisms drive the dynamics in the presence of inter-specific crown plasticity when local competition is combined with global or with localized seed dispersal? (3) In qualitative support of classical competition theory, the two species can stably coexist within MesoFON. However, the total standing stock at equilibrium matched the carrying capacity of the single species. Therefore, a “non-overyielding” Lotka–Volterra model rather than the classic one approximated best the observed behavior. Mechanistically, inter-specific crown plasticity moved heterospecific trees apart and pushed conspecifics together. Despite local competition, the community exhibited mean-field dynamics with global dispersal. In comparison, localized dispersal slowed down the dynamics by diminishing the strength of intra-/inter-specific competition and their difference due to a restriction in the competitive race to the mean-field that prevails between conspecific clusters. (4) As the outcome in field-calibrated IBMs is mediated by the competition for resources, we conclude that classical competition mechanisms can override those of resource competition, and more species are likely to successfully coexist within communities.

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.

scholarly journals Differences in acid phosphomonoesterase activity in forest soils of the Smrk Massive in the Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mts. (Czech Republic)

Beskydy ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-152
Author(s):  
A. Bajer ◽  
P. Samec ◽  
M. Žárník
Keyword(s):  
Relative Size ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
European Beech ◽  
Soil Characteristics ◽  
Strong Correlations ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
The Individual ◽  
A Site

The purpose of this paper is to determine the individual relations between APEA and specific soils and environmental factors. To disclose these relations, analysis of component vectors and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed. Vectors of soil characteristics with participation of APEA (aAKFE) and vectors of pedochemical variables (aCHEM) were also calculated. Their ratio (ia) indicated the relative size of the APEA impact on the relations between pedochemical characteristics. Based on the statistical analyses, different role of APEA in Norway spruce and in European beech stands was detected. While APEA in spruce stands did not show significant correlations with the other examined soil chemical properties, soils under beech stands displayed strong correlations with some of the pedochemical variables. The idea of this research is to find out whether APEA could be used as an indicator of forest vegetation status and of the anthropogenic load on a site.

scholarly journals Transformation of even-aged spruce stands at the School Forest Enterprise Kostelec nad Černými lesy: Structure and final cutting of mature stand

2012 ◽  
Vol 52 (No. 4) ◽  
pp. 158-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Remeš
Keyword(s):  
Forest Stand ◽  
Growth Potential ◽  
Main Criterion ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Main Method ◽  
Single Tree ◽  
Mature Stand ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Individual Trees ◽  
Very High

This paper deals with the transformation of pure even-aged forest stands to mixed and more uneven-aged stands on an example of selected even-aged Norway spruce stands in the School Forest Enterprise (SFE) in Kostelec nad Černými lesy. A forest stand where individual tree felling was used as the main method of forest stand regeneration was chosen as a conversion example. The main criterion of tree maturity is the culmination of mean volume increment of a single tree. The analyses confirmed a very high variability in the growth potential of individual trees. The potential and actual increment was strongly influenced by the stand position of tree and by crown release. These results show a high potential level of tree growth even at the age of 120 years. From 30% to 9% of all trees on particular experimental plots achieved felling maturity.

scholarly journals Sample Sizes Required To Estimate Defoliation of Spruce and Balsam Fir Caused by Spruce Budworm Accurately

1998 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 135-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. MacLean ◽  
Wayne E. MacKinnon
Keyword(s):  
Black Spruce ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Sample Sizes ◽  
Preliminary Assessment ◽  
Travel Costs ◽  
Host Trees ◽  
Sampling Protocols ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Number Of Branches

Abstract Data from the assessment of current defoliation levels on 172,000 individual shoots from 6890 midcrown branches sampled from balsam fir and spruce stands were used to define sampling protocols for assessing defoliation caused by spruce budworm. The method was based on sampling one midcrown branch from each of x host trees per stand, and assessing defoliation of y individual shoots per branch. Both the number of shoots per branch and the number of branches required per stand varied with host species (balsam fir, white spruce, or red-black spruce) and with average defoliation level. Sample sizes required to estimate mean defoliation with 90% confidence that the confidence interval is ±10% ranged from 7 to 24 branches per stand and from 17 to 58 shoots per branch, with the largest samples required at moderate (31-70%) defoliation levels. Estimated costs of shoot and branch sampling and processing ranged from $40-110/stand, based on a 90% confidence level salary rate of $12(Can.)/hr, and excluding travel costs. Results can be applied using a preliminary assessment to determine the general defoliation level, which along with species, determines the required sample size. North. J. Appl. For. 15(3):135-140.

Relationships between microsite type and the growth and nutrition of young black spruce on post-disturbed lowland black spruce sites in eastern Canada

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Lavoie ◽  
David Paré ◽  
Yves Bergeron
Keyword(s):  
Black Spruce ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Annual Increment ◽  
Eastern Canada ◽  
Rooting Zone ◽  
Growth Substrates ◽  
Humic Materials ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Decaying Wood

The surface of the soil in recently harvested or burned lowland black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) sites is composed of a fine mosaic of different bryophytes (mostly Sphagnum spp. and feathermosses), disturbed organic material originating mostly from mosses at different stages of decay, and exposed mineral soil. Growth substrates were compared in lowland black spruce stands regenerating after either careful logging or wildfire. The 3-year annual increment for black spruce seedlings was greatest with substrates of feathermosses, mainly Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt., fibric material of P. schreberi origin, and a mixture of fibric P. schreberi and humic materials; it was least with fibric Sphagnum spp., mineral soil, and decaying wood substrates. The most favourable substrates for growth were characterized by better black spruce N and P foliar status. Our results also suggest that categories of growth substrates in the rooting zone reflect nutritional quality better than categories of growth substrates on the soil surface. To maintain or increase black spruce growth following careful logging of sites prone to paludification, we recommend fill-planting of seedlings in substrates originating from P. schreberi; management techniques that favour P. schreberi over Sphagnum mosses should also be developed.

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