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 A Height Growth Model and Associated Growth Intercept Models for Estimating Site Index in Black Spruce (Picea mariana Mill. B.S.P.) Plantations in Northern Ontario, Canada

2011 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 129-137
Author(s):  
Martin M. Kwiaton ◽  
Jian R. Wang ◽  
Douglas E.B. Reid
Keyword(s):  
Picea Mariana ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Site Quality ◽  
Northern Ontario ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Growth Intercept

Abstract Site quality is a key component of growth and yield models because height growth rates are known to be influenced by available site resources. Accurate prediction of future growth and yield requires site quality information for both plantations and natural stands. The forest industry in northern Ontario relies on high-quality wood and fiber from black spruce (Picea mariana Mill. B.S.P.); therefore, these tools are essential to ensure sustainable forest management. Although there are site index (SI) models for natural-origin black spruce stands in northern Ontario, models for estimating site quality of young black spruce plantations have not been developed. We used stem analysis data collected from 62 plantations (>40 years of age) of pure black spruce across northern Ontario to develop height growth, SI, and variable growth intercept models. The distinct height growth patterns we observed may be attributed to early silvicultural treatments (site preparation and herbicide) in plantations allowing black spruce trees to attain breast height (1.3 m) faster than in fire-origin stands in northern Ontario. Our models can be used to estimate site quality of black spruce plantations, a key consideration for silviculture and forest management planning. We also compare our managed stand SI model to one we developed from a comparable subset of data from black spruce growing in unmanaged stands and propose a method to assign an SI with a common base age to pure upland black spruce stands regardless of origin.

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.

Adjustment of the age–height relationship for uneven-aged black spruce stands

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (7) ◽  
pp. 2003-2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hakim Ouzennou ◽  
David Pothier ◽  
Frédéric Raulier
Keyword(s):  
Black Spruce ◽  
Information Criterion ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Diameter Distribution ◽  
Large Network ◽  
Permanent Sample Plots ◽  
Dominant Height ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Height Model

Site index (SI) is commonly used in natural stands, even when their diameter distribution deviates from that of the monospecific, even-aged, fully stocked stands used to develop basic age–height relationships. Since deviations from basic age–height trajectories can be reflected in deviations of stand diameter distribution from a bell shape, we incorporated different diameter diversity indices into an age–height equation to help improve height predictions and determine which index is best related to stand dominant height. This procedure was performed using black spruce ( Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) stands from a large network of permanent sample plots established across the province of Quebec, Canada. The age–height model that minimized the Akaike’s information criterion used the Shannon evenness index (ESh) as an equation modifier accounting for the diameter diversity variable. The model showed that for stands established on relatively poor sites (SI = 9), no substantial differences in dominant height were found between two contrasting ESh values. For SI = 15, however, the larger ESh value increased the dominant height by as much as 1 m at 80 years. These results suggest that introduction of ESh into an age–height model can improve calculation of site index, particularly in regions characterized by the presence of numerous uneven-aged stands.

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.

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.

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.

scholarly journals Alternate Strip Clearcutting in Upland Black Spruce: V. The Impact of Harvesting on the Quality of Water Flowing from Small Basins in Shallow-soil Boreal Ecosystems

1988 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Nicolson
Keyword(s):  
Black Spruce ◽  
Specific Conductance ◽  
Water Yield ◽  
Chemical Parameters ◽  
Boreal Ecosystems ◽  
Shallow Soil ◽  
Quality Of Water ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
The Impact

Streams flowing from six small basins (100-450 ha), dominated or originally dominated by black spruce stands growing on sites with shallow soil over bedrock, were monitored for seven years (1978-1984) near Lake Nipigon, Ontario. Three basins were left uncut. Three basins were harvested, one by patch-cutting, one by clearcutting, and one by stripcutting (in a three-cut pattern, with cutting in 1977, 1979 and 1981). Comparison of streamwater from harvested and uncut basins indicated a greater water yield from the harvested basins, as well as differences in several chemical parameters. Specific conductance, alkalinity, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, and [Formula: see text] concentration increases were statistically significant. Nitrate-nitrogen and total nitrogen (TN) levels generally decreased, the former significantly; pH, [Formula: see text], Cl−, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and total phosphorus (TP) changes were not signficiant.

The effect of advance regeneration height on future yield of black spruce stands

1995 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 536-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Pothier ◽  
René Doucet ◽  
Jocelyn Boily
Keyword(s):  
Black Spruce ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Site Quality ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Advance Regeneration ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Index Site ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Stand Height

The advance regeneration often present following clear-cutting in black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) stands is generally composed of individuals of various heights. This initial height difference is hypothesized to affect the yield of the future stand. Height of the advance regeneration at time of release was determined on several black spruce trees within 33 stands distributed across the boreal forest of the province of Quebec, Canada. From these data, a regeneration structure index was developed and used to explain a part of the variation in subsequent stand yield. Dominant trees of stands developing for 38 to 65 years since clear-cutting generally originated from the tallest advance regeneration at time of release. Stands with the tallest regeneration at time of release produced the largest yields for a given site quality and number of years since harvesting. A 3-m increase in advance-regeneration height resulted in a similar yield gain as a 3-m increase in site index. Site indices calculated from age-height relationships of dominant trees originating from tall advance regeneration were less than those calculated from trees that have undergone a relatively short period of suppression. These results suggest that traditional management tools developed for fire-origin black spruce stands, i.e., stands mainly composed of seed-origin trees established after perturbation, should be adjusted for clearcut-origin stands that largely develop from advance regeneration.

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