scholarly journals Tree mortality in the dynamics and management of uneven-aged Norway spruce stands in southern Finland

2020 ◽  
Vol 139 (6) ◽  
pp. 989-998
Author(s):  
Sauli Valkonen ◽  
Lucie Aulus Giacosa ◽  
Juha Heikkinen
Keyword(s):  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Repeated Measurements ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
Single Tree Selection ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Causes Of Mortality ◽  
Number Of Stems ◽  
Adverse Influence

Abstract This study focused on tree mortality in spruce-dominated stands managed using the single-tree selection method in southern Finland. Together with regeneration and tree growth, mortality is one of the basic elements of the stand structure and dynamics in selection stands. The study was based on data acquired from a set of 20 permanent experimental plots monitored with repeated measurements for 20 years. The average mortality in the number of stems (N) was 4.45 trees ha−1a−1, in basal area (G) 0.07 m2 ha−1a−1, and in stemwood volume (V) 0.56 m3 ha−1a−1. In relative terms it was 0.50% of N, 0.30% of G and 0.27% of V, respectively. Wind and snow were the most common causes of mortality, while deaths by biotic causes (mammals, insects, pathogens) were extremely rare. Some 6–10% of the total loss in the number of stems and volume was attributable to the loss or removal of trees that sustained serious damage in harvesting. Most of the mortality occurred in the smallest diameter classes of up to 20 cm. Such a high mortality among small trees can have an adverse influence on the sustainability of selection structures if not successfully checked in harvesting and management.

scholarly journals Effects of Oak Decline on Species Composition in a Northern Arkansas Forest

2003 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 264-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Heitzman
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Acer Rubrum ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Oak Decline ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Red Maple ◽  
White Oak

Abstract Since 1999, widespread and locally severe oak decline and mortality have occurred throughout the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas and southern Missouri. A contributing factor in the decline and mortality is an outbreak of the red oak borer [Enaphalodes rufulus (Haldeman) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)]. In northern Arkansas, a 2,150 ac mature oak forest severely affected by decline was selected as a case study to describe changes in species composition and stand structure and to assess regeneration potential of oaks and non-oak species. Mortality reduced total overstory basal area from 105 to 57 ft2/ac, and overstory density decreased from 156 to 89 trees/ac. Most dead and dying trees were northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and black oak (Q. velutina Lam.). Basal area and density of overstory red oaks were reduced from 51 to 11 ft2/ac and from 60 to 11 trees/ac, respectively. These trees died regardless of dbh class. Mortality was less common in white oak (Q. alba L.) and was generally limited to smaller trees. Understory trees and taller seedlings were predominantly red maple (Acer rubrum L.), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida L.), blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica Marsh.), and black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.). Oaks less than 3 ft tall were abundant, but taller oak seedlings and saplings were uncommon. Tree mortality increased the proportion of white oak and hickories (Carya spp.) in the overstory, and stimulated a regeneration response of mostly non-oak species. South. J. Appl. For. 27(4):264–268.

scholarly journals Site factors and stand conditions associated with Persian oak decline in Zagros mountain forests

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. e014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Hosseini ◽  
Seyed M. Hosseini ◽  
Juan C. Linares
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Change Scenario ◽  
Climate Trends ◽  
Site Factors ◽  
Main Hypothesis ◽  
Shallow Soils

Aim of study: Drought and stand structure are major and interconnected drivers of forest dynamics. Water shortage and tree-to-tree competition may interact under the current climate change scenario, increasing tree mortality. In this study, we aimed to investigate climate trends, site and stand structure effects on tree mortality, with the main hypothesis that drought-induced mortality is higher as competition increases.Area of study: Persian oak forests from Zagros Range, western Iran.Material and Methods: We split the study area into 20 topographical units (TUs), based on aspect, slope and elevation. In each TU, three 0.1 ha plots were established to quantify site and stand characteristics, namely the diameter of all trees and shrubs, stand density and basal area, canopy dieback and mortality. In addition, soil profiles were analyzed to obtain physical and chemical soil properties. Six transects 100 m length were established per TU to measure tree-to-tree competition for alive and dead trees.Main Results: The highest mortality rates and crown dieback were found at higher elevations and southern and western aspects. Our findings confirm increasing rates of tree mortality in stands with higher tree density and shallow soils. As regard links between climate change and forest decline, our results suggest that changing forest structure may have a significant impact on dust emission.Research highlights: Despite severe dry years occurred recently the study area, they are not significantly different than those recorded in the past. Stand structure appears as a modulating factor of climate change effects, linked to competition-related tree vulnerability to drought.

Stand structure, thinning prescriptions, and density indexes in a Douglas-fir thinning study, Western Washington, U.S.A.

1983 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 126-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chadwick Dearing Oliver ◽  
Marshall D. Murray
Keyword(s):  
Stand Structure ◽  
Volume Growth ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Close Relation ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Volume Number ◽  
Large Trees ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Number Of Stems

A Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) thinning study was established in 1959 in a stand begun after logging in 1930. Thinnings to set basal area densities were done in 1959, 1962, 1966, and 1970. On each plot both large and small trees were removed since average basal area per tree was kept constant before and after thinning. Volume growth varied greatly between plots of the same age, initial basal area, and site because of differences in stand structure. Large trees on a plot grew more per tree and per basal area than small trees. Stand basal area, stand volume, number of stems, or number of dominant and codominant trees were not closely related to volume growth per hectare, although density indexes giving weight to larger trees showed the closest relation. The lack of close relation between stand density indexes and growth found here and elsewhere probably means the indexes do not uniquely define stand structures; it does not necessarily mean that thinning will not increase volume growth per hectare. Volume growth per hectare after thinning to a given basal area density will be greater and probably more consistent if larger trees are left and enough time is allowed for the stand to recover following thinning.

Tree mortality and radial growth losses caused by the western spruce budworm in a Douglas-fir stand in British Columbia

1982 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 780-787 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. I. Alfaro ◽  
G. A. Van Sickle ◽  
A. J. Thomson ◽  
E. Wegwitz
Keyword(s):  
Radial Growth ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Radial Increment ◽  
Western Spruce Budworm ◽  
Number Of Stems ◽  
The Relationship

The effects of defoliation by western spruce budworm (Choristoneuraoccidentalis (Freeman)), on Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) radial growth at breast height and tree mortality are given. Four hundred and twenty trees were marked in an 81-year-old stand, and their defoliation levels were recorded annually from 1970 to 1980 in an outbreak that lasted from 1970 to 1974, inclusive. Forty-one trees were felled and dissected in 1977, 3 years after recovery began. The number of stems per hectare was reduced by 39.3% and basal area by 11.6% through mortality, most occurring among the small diameter, suppressed, and intermediate trees. Relationships were established between mortality and defoliation. Radial increments were examined, and the presence of four outbreaks during the life of the stand was detected. The combined effect of these infestations amounted to a loss of about 12% of the estimated potential diameter had not the insects been active. The most recent outbreak (1970–1974) caused a total of 10 years of subnormal growth, including 5 years due to defoliation and 5 years of recovery. The relationship between radial increment losses and defoliation intensity and duration is studied and quantified.

scholarly journals Application and limitations of growth models for silvicultural purposes in heterogeneously structured forest in Sweden

2013 ◽  
Vol 59 (No. 11) ◽  
pp. 458-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Drössler ◽  
N. Fahlvik ◽  
B. Elfving
Keyword(s):  
Growth Models ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Single Tree ◽  
Growth Functions ◽  
Basal Area Growth ◽  
Area Growth ◽  
Single Tree Selection ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Selection Forest ◽  
Using Data

The paper addresses the problem of estimating future stand development in heterogeneously structured forests in Sweden; specifically, multi-layered spruce stands and mature pine stands with advanced spruce undergrowth. We first introduce various supporting concepts and models with their empirical databases, model validation and constraints. Secondly, Swedish single-tree growth functions designed for more heterogeneously structured forest are tested using data from inventory plots, a thinning experiment in an uneven-aged forest stand, and yield plots in pristine forest. Future growth of a managed, multi-layered forest was simulated and is compared with other selected functions. Simulation results, expected errors and time constraints are discussed. For most models, projected stand basal area growth deviated 10–20% from the observed growth in individual stands. In single stands, the deviation ranged from 0 to 60%. Validation periods were often 5–15 years, sometimes even more than 30 years. For Swedish single-tree basal area growth functions, on average, a 5% overestimate was found for heterogeneously structured forest across Sweden. Observed growth in a boreal single-tree selection forest was underestimated by 12.5% fifteen years after thinning from above.

Overstory density, short growing seasons, and moisture limit Engelmann spruce establishment over time in high-elevation managed stands

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Hill ◽  
Seth Ex ◽  
Cameron Aldridge ◽  
Curtis Prolic
Keyword(s):  
Stand Structure ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Life Stages ◽  
Growing Season Length ◽  
Engelmann Spruce ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Frost Free Period ◽  
Over Time

For tree species with narrow ranges of climate suitability for regeneration such as Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm.), understanding biophysical influences on juvenile establishment over time is crucial for supporting silvicultural practices responsive to climate change. We developed count-based models to identify abiotic and biotic variables explaining annual spruce establishment over 20–30 years following silvicultural regeneration treatments across 24 spruce stands in Colorado. Covariates retained in our final model encompassed information on climate, physiography, stand structure, and time. Establishment was positively related to germination- and second-year frost-free period beginning dates, indicating that moisture limitations at early life stages may be alleviated by longer retention of snowpack. Yet, recruits were positively influenced by both lengthier frost-free periods and lower heat–moisture indices, suggesting a tension between growing-season length and moisture limitations for physiological maturation, lasting 5 years after germination. Establishment was also limited by higher elevations and lower solar radiation, further suggesting cold limitations in these stands. Moreover, overstory basal area negatively influenced recruitment, suggesting an inhibitive effect on light and precipitation availability for seedlings. Our findings extend similar conclusions from harsher treeline environments to high-elevation managed stands but illustrate stronger relative effects of overstory density and cold-related limitations and suggest transitions in climate effects with life stages.

scholarly journals The structure analysis of the Norway spruce stands after schematic thinning in the 1st protected zone of water-supply storage

Beskydy ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-108
Author(s):  
M. Bátor ◽  
L. Danková
Keyword(s):  
Water Supply ◽  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Slenderness Ratio ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Static Stability ◽  
Growing Stock ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Protected Zone

The water-supply storages are important resources of drinking water in some regions of Slovakia, especially in surrounding of Banská Bystrica. Málinec is one of the three storages in this region. In protected zone of this storage are planted Norway spruce (hereinafter „spruce“) stands monocultures because of ensuring required water quality in storage. There are 24 years old spruce stands without admixture of deciduous trees in the upper layer. Understory is formed by blackthorn (PRP 1). On this locality was carried out geometric (schematic) thinning what is not recommended in protected zones because of worse influencing of soil permeability, humus decomposition and open forest edge creating. There was identified one older permanent research plot (PRP) and established one new PRP where was performed own measurements. Into the PRPs there are transekts and remaining area. Acreage of PRP is 0,234 and 0,315 ha. On the whole area were measured tree diameter and assessed tree classes (5 degrees–Polanský 1955). Moreover, on transekts were measured tree and also crown height. Based of measured variables were calculated stand characteristics like slenderness ratio, crown ratio, growing stock and basal area. If it is possible, these were compared with older results. The aim of this work is evaluation of spruce stands structure and their stability after schematic thinning. This kind of silvicultural treatment is absolutely unfit in stands with specific (water-protested) function (Slodičák et al. 2010). These stands are from the perspective of static stability too unfit–basal area and abundance of trees is nearly as in yield tables (Kolektív 1992) but growing stock is much higher and a lot of trees is too slim. The slenderness ratio is from 75 to 90 %. But the crown lenght is quite good with crown ratio 52–64 %. In these ages of stands are crowns reduced too much. Suitable individual thinning has been in these stands neglected (growing stock is higher than normal). There is assumed reduced stand lifetime after schematic thinning. Current stand structure is due to the young age inappropriate.

Productivity and Costs of Three Harvesting Methods

1994 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 168-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard A. Kluender ◽  
Bryce J. Stokes
Keyword(s):  
Basal Area ◽  
Selection Method ◽  
Average Volume ◽  
Production Chain ◽  
Single Tree ◽  
Area Reduction ◽  
Total Percentage ◽  
Single Tree Selection ◽  
Wood Procurement ◽  
Number Of Stems

Abstract Three stands were harvested by either clearcut, shelterwood, or single-tree selection methods. The single-tree selection method consisted of a light thinning in an even-aged stand as the initial basal area reduction cut required to convert the stand to uneven-aged structure. The contractor used two skidders (one grapple, one choker) and production chain saws to harvest all three tracts. Harvested sites were all similar in slope (10-15%), average dbh (12-14 in.), and preharvest number of stems by dbh. In the felling study, fell, walk, and limb-top time were all greater for the single-tree selection method. Time to process a tree was lowest for the clearcut, intermediate for shelterwood, and highest for single-tree selection method. For skidding, bunch building time was highest for the single-tree selection and lowest for the clearcut method. Average volume per cycle was consistently higher for the grapple skidder than the choker skidder; volume per cycle was lowest for the single-tree selection and highest for the clearcut method for both skidders. Time per cycle was consistently lower for the grapple skidder than the cable skidder. Time per cycle was lowest for the clearcut and highest for the single-tree selection method. Factors that affected felling productivity (in decreasing order) were: dbh of harvested stems, intertree distance, and method of harvest. Factors that affected skidding productivity (in decreasing order) were: skidder type, pull distance, average volume per cycle, and the method of harvest. Costs of felling and skidding were highest on the single-selection stand and lowest on the clearcut stand. Total percentage of stand area trafficked was lowest for the single tree stand. However, the total area disturbed to meet a wood procurement budget was lowest for the clearcut and highest for the single-tree method. South. J. Appl. For. 18(4): 168-174.

scholarly journals Change of stand structure in upper tree line caused by disturbances

Beskydy ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-86
Author(s):  
K. Gubka ◽  
J. Pittner
Keyword(s):  
Bark Beetle ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Forest Stand ◽  
Repeated Measurements ◽  
Wind Disturbance ◽  
Tree Line ◽  
Number Of Stems ◽  
Individual Trees ◽  
Different Altitudes

In 2002, the series of 4 permanent research plots of different altitudes (difference 100 m) was established in forest stand that is the part of upper tree line. In the plots we registered the quantitative and qualitative biometric characteristics of individual trees. The results showed that the stand is relatively statically stable (sufficient parameters of crown ratio and slenderness). The studied stand had adequate density and the number of stems was increasing with the decreasing altitude (from 1,460 to 1,260 m a.s.l.). The stand was comparable with the model one (yield tables) regarding the quantitative as well as qualitative parameters.After the wind disturbance in 2004, two studied plots in higher altitudes were totally destroyed. In the time of repeated measurements (in 2010) the negative impact of the bark-beetle outbreak began to be visible. It was reflected in increased mortality of spruce also in the research plots situated in lower altitudes of studied stand. We confirmed that the neglect of forest hygiene and adequate silvicultural treatment leads to decline of stand condition and functionality in the upper tree line forests.

Tree mortality and forest structure in the temperate rain forests of southeast Alaska

2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (9) ◽  
pp. 1621-1634 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul E Hennon ◽  
Michael H McClellan
Keyword(s):  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Structural Diversity ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Southeast Alaska ◽  
Dead Trees ◽  
Fall Direction ◽  
High Degree

Tree mortality in 27 old-growth stands at three locales in southeast Alaska was evaluated to determine how types of tree death contributed to stand structure and the production of woody debris and to interpret small-scale disturbance. Basal area, density of stems, and the condition of dead trees were described for each tree species. Dead trees with broken boles were observed most frequently, followed by dead standing intact and uprooted trees. The frequencies of dead trees within snag and log deterioration classes indicated that most trees died standing and subsequently broke. Reconstructed annual mortality rates for overstory trees averaged 0.3–0.5%·year–1 for the three locales and were relatively stable through the previous century. Tree fall direction for both uprooted and broken trees aligned significantly with the downslope direction. All three types of tree mortality contributed substantially to structural diversity, reflecting a high degree of complexity associated with small-scale disturbance at these three study locales.

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