Concentrations of Ca and Mg in early stages of sapwood decay in red spruce, eastern hemlock, red maple, and paper birch

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 957-965 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin T. Smith ◽  
Walter C. Shortle ◽  
Jody Jellison ◽  
Jon Connolly ◽  
Jonathan Schilling

The decay of coarse woody debris is a key component in the formation of forest soil and in the biogeochemical cycles of Ca and Mg. We tracked changes in density and concentration of Ca and Mg in sapwood of red maple ( Acer rubrum L.), red spruce ( Picea rubens Sarg.), paper birch ( Betula papyrifera Marsh.), and eastern hemlock ( Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr.) in Maine and New Hampshire. We repeatedly sampled 10 logs of each combination of tree species and location at the time of felling and at 2-year intervals for 6 years (birch and hemlock) or 8 years (spruce and maple). We found that density loss was essentially linear for the time period investigated, with birch and maple sapwood decaying at faster rates than spruce and hemlock. Repeated-measures analysis and regression modeling of log-transformed concentrations indicated a significant accumulation of Ca for sapwood of all tree species at both locations (30%–90% increase after 6–8 years of ground contact). Regression estimates of Mg concentration in spruce and maple declined about 20% during the 8 years of ground contact. There was no significant trend for Mg concentration in birch and hemlock. Variation in decay rates and trends in Ca and Mg concentration may be due to differences in sapwood quality, the community of wood decay fungi and associated organisms, or to abiotic conditions.

2011 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 157-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. Fast ◽  
Mark J. Ducey

Abstract Height-diameter equations are important in modeling forest structure and yield. Twenty-seven height-diameter equations were evaluated for eight tree species occurring in the northern hardwood forest of New Hampshire using permanent plot data from the Bartlett Experimental Forest. Selected models with associated coefficients are presented for American beech, eastern hemlock, paper birch, red maple, red spruce, sugar maple, white ash, yellow birch, and all 16 species combined.


2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 743-754 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra M. Kosiba ◽  
Paul G. Schaberg ◽  
Shelly A. Rayback ◽  
Gary J. Hawley

In the northeastern United States, tree declines associated with acid deposition induced calcium depletion have been documented, notably for red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.). There is conflicting evidence concerning whether co-occurring tree species capitalized on these declines or suffered similar growth reductions and on how growth has fluctuated relative to environmental variables. We examined five species along three elevational transects on Mt. Mansfield, Vermont: sugar maple, red spruce, red maple (Acer rubrum L.), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton), and balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.). We found baseline differences in growth. Red maple and yellow birch had the highest growth, sugar maple and red spruce had intermediate growth, and balsam fir had the lowest growth. While some year-to-year declines were associated with specific stress events, protracted patterns such as recent increases in red spruce and red maple growth were correlated with increased temperature and cooling degree days (heat index). For most species and elevations, there was a positive association between temperature and growth but a negative association with growth in the following year. Based on our comparisons, for some species, growth at Mt. Mansfield aligns with regional trends and suggests that patterns assessed here may be indicative of the broader region.


1990 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 1479-1484 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. A. Bazzaz ◽  
J. S. Coleman ◽  
S. R. Morse

We examined how elevated CO2 affected the growth of seven co-occurring tree species: American beech (Fagusgrandifolia Ehrh.), paper birch (Betulapapyrifera Marsh.), black cherry (Prunusserotina Ehrh.), white pine (Pinusstrobus L.), red maple (Acerrubrum L.), sugar maple (Acersaccharum Marsh.), and eastern hemlock (Tsugacanadensis (L.) Carr). We also tested whether the degree of shade tolerance of species and the age of seedlings affected plant responses to enhanced CO2 levels. Seedlings that were at least 1 year old, for all species except beech, were removed while dormant from Harvard Forest, Petersham, Massachusetts. Seeds of red maple and paper birch were obtained from parent trees at Harvard Forest, and seeds of American beech were obtained from a population of beeches in Nova Scotia. Seedlings and transplants were grown in one of four plant growth chambers for 60 d (beech, paper birch, red maple, black cherry) or 100 d (white pine, hemlock, sugar maple) under CO2 levels of 400 or 700 μL•L−1. Plants were then harvested for biomass and growth determinations. The results showed that the biomass of beech, paper birch, black cherry, sugar maple, and hemlock significantly increased in elevated CO2, but the biomass of red maple and white pine only marginally increased in these conditions. Furthermore, there were large differences in the magnitude of growth enhancement by increased levels of CO2 between species, so it seems reasonable to predict that one consequence of rising levels of CO2 may be to increase the competitive ability of some species relative to others. Additionally, the three species exhibiting the largest increase in growth with increased CO2 concentrations were the shade-tolerant species (i.e., beech, sugar maple, and hemlock). Thus, elevated CO2 levels may enhance the growth of relatively shade-tolerant forest trees to a greater extent than growth of shade-intolerant trees, at least under the light and nutrient conditions of this experiment. We found no evidence to suggest that the age of tree seedlings greatly affected their response to elevated CO2 concentrations.


2012 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 1015-1024 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walter C. Shortle ◽  
Kevin T. Smith ◽  
Jody Jellison ◽  
Jonathan S. Schilling

The depletion of root-available Ca in northern forest soils exposed to decades of increased acid deposition adversely affects forest health and productivity. Laboratory studies indicated the potential of wood-decay fungi to restore lost Ca. This study presents changes in concentration of Ca, Mg, and K in sapwood of red spruce ( Picea rubens Sarg.), red maple ( Acer rubrum L.), eastern hemlock ( Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière), and paper birch ( Betula papyrifera Marshall) during the decay process at two experimental forests for 12 years and to compare concentrations of exchangeable Ca, Mg, and Al in decayed wood residues at 10 and 12 years with those in the forest floor. Significant loss of mass indicated by decreasing wood density occurred after 2–8 years in conifers and after only 2 years in hardwoods. A significant gain in wood K was observed at 2 years followed by a significant loss at 8 years. A negligible gain in Ca concentration occurred at 2 years and a substantial gain at 8 years. Observed changes in Mg concentration were variable. No significant difference in exchangeable Ca concentration was observed between decayed wood residue of spruce and maple and the forest floor. However, decayed wood residue had a much lower Al concentration and molar Al/Ca ratio, a condition characteristic of sites with high root-available Ca.


1990 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 439-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lance S. Risley

There is a paucity of information that describes the relationship between the suite of nutrient elements in tree foliage and associated arthropod assemblages. Foliage from chestnut oak (Quercus prinus), hickories (Carya spp.), yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), red maple (Acer rubrum), and flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) and associated canopy arthropods were collected in an undisturbed and a 15 yr-old successional forested watershed and analyzed for K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, and Sr. Foliar Mn and Sr were found in higher concentrations in the undisturbed watershed. Foliage from hickories was generally higher in concentrations of metals (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn) compared with other tree species. Dogwood foliage had significantly higher concentrations of Ca and significantly lower concentrations of Mn than other tree species (P < 0.05). Concentrations of foliar elements in herbivore-damaged and undamaged leaves did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Concentrations of elements in and among arthropod feeding categories varied substantially such that no trends were apparent among tree species and between watersheds. The most apparent trend among arthropod feeding categories was the relatively large accumulation of K in chewing herbivores (primarily caterpillars). In general, there appeared to be increases in K, Fe, Cu, and Zn concentrations from primary producers to consumers. This study contributes to arthropod nutritional ecology and to defining the role of canopy arthropods in forest ecosystem nutrient cycles.


Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 94
Author(s):  
Eric Yetter ◽  
John Brown ◽  
Sophan Chhin

Traditional site index curves are frequently produced for shade-intolerant species but are scarce for shade-tolerant species. Red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) can be found in three distinct geographic regions (northern, central, and southern) within the Appalachian Mountains. The one commonly used set of red spruce site index curves is over ninety years old. A definite need exists for a modern, regionally applicable set of site index curves. This research sampled 83 plots randomly located in the central Appalachians of West Virginia. Three sets of anamorphic site index curves were created after careful examination of height models built using Chapman-Richards and Meyer functions. One set of curves was constructed with traditional age height pairs. The second utilized a suppression-corrected age and height pair. The third set examined diameter at breast height (DBH) and height pairs. Fit statistics indicated better performance for the suppression-corrected age–height pair site index and the DBH–height pair site index versus the traditional age–height pair models. Site index conversion equations were also investigated for the red spruce age-corrected site index. Linear regression was used to determine significant geographic and climate variables and the utility of including site index values for red maple (Acer rubrum L.) and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton) in the model to predict red spruce site index. Significant models were found for varying combinations of species site index, climate, and geographic variables with R2adj in the range of 0.139–0.455. These new site index curves and conversion equations should provide utility for site productivity estimation and growth and yield modeling while aiding in restoration efforts for this important central Appalachian species.


2005 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 262-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie L. Morris ◽  
William D. Ostrofsky

Abstract In January 1998, a severe ice storm struck the northeastern United States, causing widespread injury and, in some areas, substantial damage to forest stands. In Maine, hardwood species were most severely damaged. Landowners have been concerned that thinned stands are more susceptible to ice injury than their unthinned counterparts. The objectives of this study were to investigate injury and recovery from the ice storm in recently thinned (within 5 years) and unthinned hardwood stands. Four field sites were chosen, and individuals in both thinned and unthinned areas were measured to determine damage and recovery values. Species examined included white ash (Fraxinus americana L.), American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.), red oak Quercus rubra L.), paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.), and red maple (Acer rubrum L.). Damage variables measured included pre- and poststorm crown class, percent crown loss, and number and size of broken branches. Recovery variables included transparency rating, number and location of sprouts, and cambial electrical resistance readings for each individual. Results indicate that thinned stands did not suffer the effects of the 1998 ice storm greater than the unthinned stands, for all stands combined. However, some differences at individual sites were detected. We suggest that landowners should not be overly concerned with continuing to thin their hardwood stands. A thinned stand is not necessarily at greater risk for ice injury. In addition, the thinning may actually accelerate the recovery process by creating individuals that are more vigorous than their unthinned counterparts. Heavily thinned stands, however, may be at a greater risk to ice injury.North. J. Appl. For. 22(4):262–267.


2001 ◽  
Vol 7 (S2) ◽  
pp. 532-533
Author(s):  
Kamran K. Abdollahi ◽  
Zhu H. Ning

Trees can act as efficient biological filters to remove significant amounts of particulate pollution from urban atmospheres (Nowak, et al. 1994 ). Recent controlled environment studies have indicated that tree's ability in intercepting and removing particle pollution varies among species. Studies by Abdollahi et al. (2000) confirmed that there were significant differences among different tree species in intercepting particle pollution. Live Oaks (Quercus virginiana), River Birch ( Betula nigra),and Sugar hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) are statistically more efficient at capturing pollutant particles of less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) than tree species such as Red Maple (Acer Rubrum),Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora),and Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis).Other Studies also suggested that the leaf surface morphology of these trees might play an important role in interception and removal of PM2.5.The main objectives of this study were to quantify the relative ability of selected oak species (Quercus spp.) in removing particle pollution of less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) and to characterize oak leaf surface morphology.


The Auk ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 117 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie S. Eberhardt

Abstract Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers (Sphyrapicus varius) obtain phloem sap from clusters of holes that they peck in living trees. I examined trees that sapsuckers used for sap extraction in northern Michigan and tested several hypotheses to explain why they choose specific trees for attack and why they cluster their holes in one place on the bole of each of these focal trees. Sapsuckers preferentially attacked individuals of paper birch (Betula papyrifera), red maple (Acer rubrum), juneberry (Amelanchier sp.) and bigtooth aspen (Populus grandidentata). They made clusters of sap holes an average of 7.13 m from the ground and within 1 m of a live branch; most clusters were located above old holes or other wounds from previous years. Each new sap incision through the bark to the phloem stream was made above a previous one and was enlarged for an average of 3.1 days before being abandoned for a new, higher hole. The resulting long vertical chains of holes were made alongside others to form tight clusters of holes at a single spot on the tree. Sapsuckers did not select trees for sap extraction based on location relative to nesting sites or on microclimate conditions of water availability and tree density. Individual trees used for sap extraction did not have thinner bark, more moisture in bark samples, or larger crowns, but they did score lower in an index of overall tree health. Experimental evidence suggested that sapsuckers cluster their holes to induce the accumulation of sap in bark that they will attack for future sap extraction. Thus, sapsuckers appear to overcome some of the difficulties in obtaining phloem sap by choosing specific species and individuals, clustering sap holes above previous wounds, and possibly by farming their resource throughout the season by girdling the tree's phloem stream with each successive sap incision. I attempted to duplicate the wounding techniques and patterns of wounding of sapsuckers but was unable to induce sap flow from the same or similar trees in the area.


1985 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 218-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Ouellet

Six commercial species were sampled throughout Quebec and prediction equations of ovendry masses for the total above-ground tree and its components white cedar (Thuya occidentalis L.) and eastern hemlock(Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr.). The deciduous species are: red maple (Acer rubrum L.), white ash (Fraxinus americana L.), black ash (Fraxinus nigra Marsh.), and beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.). The components expressed in ovendry masses are: the total tree, the stem, the merchantable stem, the wood and bark of the merchantable stem, and the crown. A nonlinear model is used with the diameter at breast height and the total height as predictors. Key words: Biomass, prediction equations, eastern white cedar, eastern hemlock, red maple white ash, black ash, beech.


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