Aboveground growth responses of understory Abies lasiocarpa saplings to different release cuts

2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (9) ◽  
pp. 1593-1601 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marek J Krasowski ◽  
Jian R Wang
Keyword(s):  
Radial Growth ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Abies Lasiocarpa ◽  
Initial Growth ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
White Birch ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Growth Increments ◽  
Advance Regeneration ◽  
Large Trees

A white birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) overstory of a 30+ year old stand was thinned or completely removed, releasing an advance regeneration of subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.). The overstory was clear-cut (T0), thinned to 600 (T600) or to 1200 (T1200) stems/ha, or left uncut (control). Three years after release, understory responses were best demonstrated by decreasing specific leaf area with increasing release level and by changes to height and radial growth increments. Clear-cutting the overstory stalled the height growth in fir for two seasons and radial growth at the tree base for one season. Compared with the control, the 3-year height increment was proportionally greatest in intermediate trees of T600, and this treatment produced the overall best response in height growth. Complete birch removal produced the best radial growth response despite the initial growth check. However, no release treatment significantly affected the whole tree variables (aboveground biomass, height, diameter at breast height (DBH), live crown ratio) within the studied time frame. Shoot silhouette ratios were lowest in the completely released understory trees, while they were similar to those of the controls in all partial-release treatments. Tree sturdiness (height/DBH ratio) was 80–90 in most treatments except T0, where it declined to below 80. Despite this improvement, large trees in T0 have been damaged by wind and snow.

Patterns of above- and below-ground response of understory conifer release 6 years after partial cutting

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel D Kneeshaw ◽  
Harry Williams ◽  
Eero Nikinmaa ◽  
Christian Messier
Keyword(s):  
Root Growth ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Stem Growth ◽  
Radial Increment ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
Partial Cutting ◽  
Size Classes ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Advance Regeneration

An increased pressure to use silvicultural techniques not based on clear-cutting followed by planting has led to an interest in systems that take advantage of existing understory seedlings (advance regeneration). Earlier studies have suggested that following harvesting, understory seedlings may experience growth reductions before responding with growth increases. We hypothesize that this "growth shock" following release results because seedlings are ill adjusted to the new growing conditions and that this can be investigated through a comparison of growth in different parts of the tree over a 6-year period. This study compares the growth response of three size classes of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud.) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) seedlings to a partial overstory removal in relatively dry conifer forests of central British Columbia. Growth was evaluated in four parts of the studied trees: radial increment in roots, in the base of the stem, and in branches, as well as leader height growth extension. Our findings show that following release from the overstory, early growth increases were largest in the roots and stems irrespective of the species or the size class. Differences between the species were observed in greater absolute height growth for pine, whereas Douglas-fir invested in greater stem growth, especially in the larger individuals. Important differences also occurred temporally. Both species (and all size classes) responded with an immediate increase in root growth followed, after a 1-year delay, by an increase in stem growth. Branch radial increment (for pine) and leader height growth (both species), however, experienced 2 to 3 year growth reductions before responding. It is therefore suggested that individuals restore the root–shoot balance by greater initial investments to root growth to offset the increased transpiration losses associated with the greater light and higher temperature conditions and the relative changes in the photosynthetic versus nutrient uptake capacity following the canopy opening. Foresters may therefore be able to manipulate tree growth responses by using an appropriate degree of overstory removal or opening size.

Ten-year results of strip clear-cutting in Quebec black spruce stands

2000 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Pothier
Keyword(s):  
Picea Mariana ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Advance Regeneration ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Harvesting Method ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
One Year ◽  
Cutting System

Regeneration of first-cut strips in a two-cut system of strip clear-cutting was compared to that of large clear-cutting in four different areas representative of the black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) stands of the boreal forest of Quebec. Seedlings were more evenly distributed in clearcut strips than in large clearcuts. Differences of about 10 000 black spruce seedlings per hectare and 20% of stocking were observed in favour of clearcut strips compared to large clearcuts. Black spruce stocking was about 14% larger on lowland than on upland sites but height growth was better on upland sites. A regeneration problem similar to that of large clearcuts was observed when the second strips were cut. One year after cutting these second strips, winter harvesting resulted in a 23% gain in black spruce stocking as compared to summer harvesting. Even if black spruce stocking marginally increased during the years following winter harvesting, the height advantage of the preserved advance growth justifies the application of this harvesting method. The strip clear-cutting system effectively improved the stocking of former black spruce stands but if the stocking level of advance growth is adequate, careful harvesting to preserve advance regeneration should be the preferred method since it would be more cost-efficient.

scholarly journals Modeling Early Responses of Loblolly Pine Growth to Thinning in the Western Gulf Coastal Plain Region

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (5) ◽  
pp. 623-633
Author(s):  
Y H Weng ◽  
J Grogan ◽  
D W Coble
Keyword(s):  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Large Trees ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Pinus Taeda L ◽  
Stand Basal Area

Abstract Growth response to thinning has long been a research topic of interest in forest science. This study presents the first 3–4 years of response of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) growth to thinning at different intensities. Data were collected from the East Texas Pine Research Project’s region-wide loblolly pine thinning study, which covers a wide variety of stand conditions. Four treatments, light, moderate, and heavy thinning, respectively having 370, 555, and 740 residual trees per hectare after thinning, and an unthinned control, were included. Individual tree diameter at breast height (dbh) and total height were recorded annually for the first 3–4 years after thinning. Results indicate significant differences between treatments in dbh growth in each year after thinning, as well as for all years combined. Each thinning treatment had significantly greater dbh growth than the control in the first growing season with this positive response being more evident in the case of the heavier thinning or at the later years post-thinning. Conversely, the thinning effect on tree height growth was initially negligibly negative, then becoming positive after 2–4 years, with the heavier thinning becoming positive sooner. Tree size class, assigned based on prethinning dbh, had a significant effect on both dbh and height growth responses. Compared to the control, small trees had a greater response both in dbh and in height growth than the medium and large trees over the measurement period. At the stand level, the heavier thinning had significantly less stand basal area per hectare, but the difference in stand basal area per hectare between the thinned and the unthinned plots decreased with years post-thinning. Results from this study can improve our understanding in thinning effects and help forest managers make accurate decisions on silvicultural regimes.

scholarly journals Complementarity effects on tree growth are contingent on tree size and climatic conditions across Europe

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaime Madrigal-González ◽  
Paloma Ruiz-Benito ◽  
Sophia Ratcliffe ◽  
Joaquín Calatayud ◽  
Gerald Kändler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Tree Size ◽  
Tree Level ◽  
Permanent Plots ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
Niche Complementarity ◽  
Growth Increments ◽  
Large Trees ◽  
Complementarity Effects

Abstract Neglecting tree size and stand structure dynamics might bias the interpretation of the diversity-productivity relationship in forests. Here we show evidence that complementarity is contingent on tree size across large-scale climatic gradients in Europe. We compiled growth data of the 14 most dominant tree species in 32,628 permanent plots covering boreal, temperate and Mediterranean forest biomes. Niche complementarity is expected to result in significant growth increments of trees surrounded by a larger proportion of functionally dissimilar neighbours. Functional dissimilarity at the tree level was assessed using four functional types: i.e. broad-leaved deciduous, broad-leaved evergreen, needle-leaved deciduous and needle-leaved evergreen. Using Linear Mixed Models we show that, complementarity effects depend on tree size along an energy availability gradient across Europe. Specifically: (i) complementarity effects at low and intermediate positions of the gradient (coldest-temperate areas) were stronger for small than for large trees; (ii) in contrast, at the upper end of the gradient (warmer regions), complementarity is more widespread in larger than smaller trees, which in turn showed negative growth responses to increased functional dissimilarity. Our findings suggest that the outcome of species mixing on stand productivity might critically depend on individual size distribution structure along gradients of environmental variation.

Growth of Bauhinia thonningii trees and saplings over a decade in a savanna in Zambia: interactions of climate, fire and source of regeneration

2008 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 407-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Ngulube Chidumayo
Keyword(s):  
Radial Growth ◽  
Plant Size ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Tree Size ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Climate Factors ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
Hot Dry Season ◽  
Cool Dry Season

AbstractThe present study investigated how climate and plant size affect the growth of Bauhinia thonningii and how fire and source of regeneration (grown from coppice versus seedlings) might modify the results. The study was conducted over a period of 10 y, from 1997 to 2007, at a savanna site in central Zambia. Trees were marked and monitored throughout the entire period; they showed a phase of declining growth (1998–2003) and a phase of low growth (2004–2007). During the phase of declining growth autocorrelation was high but either weakened or disappeared during the phase of low growth. After adjusting data for autocorrelation, climate factors and tree size accounted for between 14% and 35% of the variation in annual tree radial growth. However, the growth responses of trees to climate factors and tree size varied with the source of regeneration (i.e. coppice or seedling) and fire treatment. Trees of seedling origin were only affected by climate factors and tree size when exposed to annual burning whereas all trees of coppice origin were significantly affected by climate factors and tree size, regardless of the fire treatment. However, basal radial growth of saplings that were monitored for 4 y (2003–2007) was significantly influenced by maximum temperature and rainfall that accounted for 33–47% of the variance in annual radial growth under fire protection. Saplings recovered from shoot die-back during the cool dry season by resprouting in the hot dry season and this annual die-back slowed the height growth of B. thonningii saplings.

Effects of soil organic layer removal on regeneration after clear-cutting a northern hardwood stand in New Brunswick

1993 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 2093-2100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark R. Roberts ◽  
Hongyun Dong
Keyword(s):  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Organic Layer ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Seed Availability ◽  
Soil Organic Layer ◽  
Advance Regeneration ◽  
Over Time

Our objective was to determine the effects of clear-cutting and removal of the soil organic layer and residual vegetation on regeneration of woody species from seed. Germination, survival, and height growth of woody seedlings were followed over a 4-year period after clear-cutting in plots with and without the organic layer and vegetation removed. After 4 years, Betulaalleghaniensis Britton and Rubusidaeus L. predominated on the disturbed plots. On the undisturbed plots, Rubus, Acersaccharum Marsh. (mostly advance regeneration), and Acerpensylvanicum L. (new germinants and advance regeneration) were most abundant. Germination (all species combined) was 1.2–1.5 times higher on the disturbed plots in the first 2 years. Seedling survival was 19–33% higher on the disturbed plots in years 1 and 2 because of the lower occurrence of lethal surface temperatures (>42 °C). Little recruitment of most species occurred after year 2 except for A. saccharum, which increased in density over time on both treatments. Acerpensylvanicum occurred only on the undisturbed plots and decreased steadily in density over time. Differences among species in regeneration patterns were related to seed availability, seedbed characteristics, and regeneration strategies. Betula was the tallest species on 40% of the disturbed plots in spite of higher Rubus densities. Advance regeneration dominated 57% of the undisturbed plots. The relative heights, densities, and growth rates of species indicate that Rubus provides less competition than advance regeneration for Betula crop trees.

scholarly journals Radial Growth Response of European Larch Provenances to Interannual Climate Variation in Poland

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 334
Author(s):  
Norbert Szymański ◽  
Sławomir Wilczyński
Keyword(s):  
Radial Growth ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
European Larch ◽  
Temperature And Precipitation ◽  
Provenance Trials ◽  
High Precipitation ◽  
Climatic Elements

The present study identified the similarities and differences in the radial growth responses of 20 provenances of 51-year-old European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) trees from Poland to the climatic conditions at three provenance trials situated in the Polish lowlands (Siemianice), uplands (Bliżyn) and mountains (Krynica). A chronology of radial growth indices was developed for each of 60 European larch populations, which highlighted the interannual variations in the climate-mediated radial growth of their trees. With the aid of principal component, correlation and multiple regression analysis, supra-regional climatic elements were identified to which all the larch provenances reacted similarly at all three provenance trials. They increased the radial growth in years with a short, warm and precipitation-rich winter; a cool and humid summer and when high precipitation in late autumn of the previous year was noted. Moreover, other climatic elements were identified to which two groups of the larch provenances reacted differently at each provenance trial. In the lowland climate, the provenances reacted differently to temperature in November to December of the previous year and July and to precipitation in September. In the upland climate, the provenances differed in growth sensitivity to precipitation in October of the previous year and June–September. In the mountain climate, the provenances responded differently to temperature and precipitation in September of the previous year and to precipitation in February, June and September of the year of tree ring formation. The results imply that both climatic factors and origin (genotype), i.e., the genetic factor, mediate the climate–growth relationships of larch provenances.

Radial growth responses of two dominant conifers to climate in the Altai Mountains, Central Asia

2021 ◽  
Vol 298-299 ◽  
pp. 108297
Author(s):  
Jian Kang ◽  
Shaowei Jiang ◽  
Jacques C. Tardif ◽  
Hanxue Liang ◽  
Shaokang Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Asia ◽  
Radial Growth ◽  
Altai Mountains ◽  
Growth Responses

scholarly journals Climate Differently Impacts the Growth of Coexisting Trees and Shrubs under Semi-Arid Mediterranean Conditions

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 381
Author(s):  
J. Julio Camarero ◽  
Cristina Valeriano ◽  
Antonio Gazol ◽  
Michele Colangelo ◽  
Raúl Sánchez-Salguero
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Radial Growth ◽  
Pinus Halepensis ◽  
Growth Dynamics ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
Shrub Species ◽  
High Soil Moisture ◽  
Semi Arid ◽  
Mediterranean Conditions

Background and Objectives—Coexisting tree and shrub species will have to withstand more arid conditions as temperatures keep rising in the Mediterranean Basin. However, we still lack reliable assessments on how climate and drought affect the radial growth of tree and shrub species at intra- and interannual time scales under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions. Materials and Methods—We investigated the growth responses to climate of four co-occurring gymnosperms inhabiting semi-arid Mediterranean sites in northeastern Spain: two tree species (Aleppo pine, Pinus halepensis Mill.; Spanish juniper, Juniperus thurifera L.) and two shrubs (Phoenicean juniper, Juniperus phoenicea L.; Ephedra nebrodensis Tineo ex Guss.). First, we quantified the intra-annual radial-growth rates of the four species by periodically sampling wood samples during one growing season. Second, we quantified the climate–growth relationships at an interannual scale at two sites with different soil water availability by using dendrochronology. Third, we simulated growth responses to temperature and soil moisture using the forward, process-based Vaganov‒Shashkin (VS-Lite) growth model to disentangle the main climatic drivers of growth. Results—The growth of all species peaked in spring to early summer (May–June). The pine and junipers grew after the dry summer, i.e., they showed a bimodal growth pattern. Prior wet winter conditions leading to high soil moisture before cambium reactivation in spring enhanced the growth of P. halepensis at dry sites, whereas the growth of both junipers and Ephedra depended more on high spring–summer soil moisture. The VS-Lite model identified these different influences of soil moisture on growth in tree and shrub species. Conclusions—Our approach (i) revealed contrasting growth dynamics of co-existing tree and shrub species under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions and (ii) provided novel insights on different responses as a function of growth habits in similar drought-prone regions.

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