A new method for evaluating forest thinning: growth dominance in managed Pinus resinosa stands

2010 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 843-849 ◽  
Author(s):  
John B. Bradford ◽  
Anthony W. D’Amato ◽  
Brian J. Palik ◽  
Shawn Fraver
Keyword(s):  
Tree Growth ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Pinus Resinosa ◽  
Growth Patterns ◽  
Red Pine ◽  
New Method ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Individual Tree Growth

Growth dominance is a relatively new, simple, quantitative metric of within-stand individual tree growth patterns, and is defined as positive when larger trees in the stand display proportionally greater growth than smaller trees, and negative when smaller trees display proportionally greater growth than larger trees. We examined long-term silvicultural experiments in red pine ( Pinus resinosa Ait.) to characterize how stand age, thinning treatments (thinned from above, below, or both), and stocking levels (residual basal area) influence stand-level growth dominance through time. In stands thinned from below or from both above and below, growth dominance was not significantly different from zero at any age or stocking level. Growth dominance in stands thinned from above trended from negative at low stocking levels to positive at high stocking levels and was positive in young stands. Growth dominance in unthinned stands was positive and increased with age. These results suggest that growth dominance provides a useful tool for assessing the efficacy of thinning treatments designed to reduce competition between trees and promote high levels of productivity across a population, particularly among crop trees.

Growth trends and stand dynamics in natural loblolly pine in the southeastern United States

1992 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 660-666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul C. Van Deusen
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Tree Growth ◽  
Southeastern United States ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Stand Dynamics ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Growth Trends ◽  
Individual Tree Growth

A number of recent studies have shown reduced stand-level and individual-tree growth in natural loblolly pine (Pinustaeda L.) stands in the southeastern United States. This study uses increment cores from dominant and codominant trees to determine if individual-tree growth has changed from 1915 to 1985. The cores are grouped for comparison by first sorting on the basis of median stand age and then further sorting these groups of cores by individual-tree age. These trees experienced increasing basal area increments from the mid-1940s into the mid-1970s, after which growth rates returned to preincrease levels. These data support recent findings of growth reductions, but also indicate previously unreported growth increases preceding the growth decreases. These and supplemental permanent plot data suggest that stand dynamics is a viable hypothesis for explaining these growth trends.

Biomass partitioning in red pine (Pinus resinosa) along a chronosequence in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
J S King ◽  
C P Giardina ◽  
K S Pregitzer ◽  
A L Friend
Keyword(s):  
Net Primary Production ◽  
Pinus Resinosa ◽  
Biomass Partitioning ◽  
Red Pine ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Shoot Biomass ◽  
Stand Development ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Coarse Root ◽  
Age Related

Carbon (C) allocation to the perennial coarse-root system of trees contributes to ecosystem C sequestration through formation of long-lived live wood biomass and, following senescence, by providing a large source of nutrient-poor detrital C. Our understanding of the controls on C allocation to coarse-root growth is rudimentary, but it has important implications for projecting belowground net primary production responses to global change. Age-related changes in C allocation to coarse roots represent a critical uncertainty for modeling landscape-scale C storage and cycling. We used a 55 year chronosequence approach with complete above- and below-ground harvests to assess the effects of stand development on biomass partitioning in red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.), a commercially important pine species. Averaged within site, individual-tree root/shoot ratios were dynamic across stand development, changing from 0.17 at 2-, 3-, and 5-year-old sites, to 0.80 at the 8-year-old site, to 0.29 at the 55-year-old site. The results of our study suggest that a current research challenge is to determine the generality of patterns of root-shoot biomass partitioning through stand development for both coniferous and hardwood forest types, and to document how these patterns change as a function of stand age, tree size, environment, and management.

Wood density in Norway spruce: changes with thinning intensity and tree age

2005 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 1767-1778 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuula Jaakkola ◽  
Harri Mäkinen ◽  
Pekka Saranpää
Keyword(s):  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Wood Density ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Thinning Intensity ◽  
Individual Tree Growth ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Individual Trees

The effect of thinning intensity on growth and wood density in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) was investigated in two long-term thinning experiments in southeastern Finland. The stands were approaching maturity, and their development had already been studied for 30 years. The intensities of thinning were low, normal, and high (i.e., the stand basal area after the thinning was, on average, 40, 27, and 24 m2·ha–1, respectively, in Heinola, and 30, 28, and 17 m2·ha–1 in Punkaharju, respectively). Compared with the low thinning intensity, the normal and high thinning intensities increased the basal-area increment of individual trees by 52% and 68%, respectively. Normal and high thinning intensities resulted in a relatively small reduction (1%–4%) of mean ring density compared with low thinning intensity. The random variation in wood density between and within trees was large. About 27% of the total variation in wood density was related to variation between rings. Our results indicate that the prevailing thinning intensities in Norway spruce stands in Fennoscandia cause no marked changes in wood density. At least, the possible reduction in wood density is low compared with the increase in individual tree growth.

scholarly journals Consistency of Cone Production in Individual Red Pine

1988 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 480-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. M. Stiell
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Tree Growth ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Pinus Resinosa ◽  
Red Pine ◽  
Tree Size ◽  
Total Production ◽  
Crop Size ◽  
Cone Production ◽  
Production Area

A plantation of red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) produced heavy cone crops in 1970 and 1984. Established at 6.5 × 6.5 m, the stand was 18-years old in 1970 and still open-grown; crowns were closed before 1984. Cone production at the two dates was compared for 28 trees. While total production was similar for 1970 and 1984, distribution within the sample differed. Although 18% of the trees maintained their rank in 1984, some large changes in production ranking took place from one crop to the next. Despite a tendency at both dates for crop size to increase with current dbh, exceptions were evident and the largest trees did not necessarily bear the most cones. Crop size in 1970 was the variable most closely associate with 1984 crop size and was significantly correlated with it independently 1984 dbh. High cone production did not seem to depress tree growth, based on a comparison of 1970-72 basal area increment of more versus less prolific cone bearers. Before a stand has borne its first good cone crop, expectations for highest yields would have to be based on tree size. For subsequent crops, previous production by individuals would be the best guide. The two top cone bearers far surpassed all others in both crop years and would be the first individuals selected for seed trees in a seed production area.

An individual-based growth and competition model for coastal redwood forest restoration

2014 ◽  
Vol 44 (9) ◽  
pp. 1051-1057 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phillip van Mantgem ◽  
Adrian Das
Keyword(s):  
Tree Growth ◽  
Forest Restoration ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Species Identity ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Individual Tree Growth ◽  
Redwood Forests ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Redwood Forest

Thinning treatments to accelerate coastal redwood forest stand development are in wide application, but managers have yet to identify prescriptions that might best promote Sequoia sempervirens (Lamb. ex D. Don) Endl. (redwood) growth. The creation of successful thinning prescriptions would be aided by identifying the underlying mechanisms governing how individual tree growth responds to competitive environments in coastal redwood forests. We created a spatially explicit individual-based model of tree competition and growth parameterized using surveys of upland redwood forests at Redwood National Park, California. We modeled competition for overstory trees (stems ≥ 20 cm stem diameter at breast height, 1.37 m (dbh)) as growth reductions arising from sizes, distances, and species identity of competitor trees. Our model explained up to half of the variation in individual tree growth, suggesting that neighborhood crowding is an important determinant of growth in this forest type. We used our model to simulate the effects of novel thinning prescriptions (e.g., 40% stand basal area removal) for redwood forest restoration, concluding that these treatments could lead to substantial growth releases, particularly for S. sempervirens. The results of this study, along with continued improvements to our model, will help to determine spacing and species composition that best encourage growth.

scholarly journals The SOHARC Model System for Growth and Yield of Southern Hardwoods

2008 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 173-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Paul McTague ◽  
David O'Loughlin ◽  
Joseph P. Roise ◽  
Daniel J. Robison ◽  
Robert C. Kellison
Keyword(s):  
Tree Growth ◽  
Growth Models ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Permanent Plots ◽  
Red Maple ◽  
Yellow Poplar ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Individual Tree Growth

Abstract A system of stand level and individual tree growth-and-yield models are presented for southern hardwoods. These models were developed from numerous permanent growth-and-yield plots established across 13 states in the US South on 9 site types, in even-aged (age classes from 20 to 60 years), fully stocked, naturally regenerated mixed hardwood and mixed hardwood-pine stands. Nested plots (⅕ and ac) were remeasured at 5-year intervals. The system of permanent plots was established and maintained by private and public members in the North Carolina State University Hardwood Research Cooperative. Stand level models are presented for dominant height, survival, basal area prediction and projection, and the ingrowth component. Individual tree diameter growth and tree height models were constructed for the most common species: sweetgum, tupelo, yellow-poplar, blackgum, and red maple. All other species were grouped according to growth dynamics into four species groups using cluster analysis. A ranking variable was incorporated into the individual tree growth models to account for competition.

Comparing individual-tree growth models using principles of stand growth for Norway spruce, Scots pine, and European beech

2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (8) ◽  
pp. 1006-1018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonja Vospernik ◽  
Robert A. Monserud ◽  
Hubert Sterba
Keyword(s):  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Scots Pine ◽  
Tree Growth ◽  
Growth Models ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
European Beech ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Individual Tree Growth ◽  
Volume Increment

We examined the relationship between thinning intensity and volume increment predicted by four commonly used individual-tree growth models in Central Europe (i.e., BWIN, Moses, Prognaus, and Silva). We replicated conditions of older growth and yield experiments by selecting 34 young, dense plots of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). At these plots, we simulated growth, with mortality only, to obtain the maximum basal area. Maximum basal area was then decreased by 5% or 10% steps using thinning from below. Maximum density varied considerably between simulators; it was mostly in a reasonable range but partly exceeded the maximum basal area observed by the Austrian National Forest Inventory or the self-thinning line. In almost all cases, simulated volume increment was highest at maximum basal area and then decreased with decreasing basal area. Critical basal area, at which 95% of maximum volume increment can be achieved, ranged from 0.46 to 0.96. For all simulators, critical basal area was lower for the more shade-tolerant species. It increased with age, except for Norway spruce, when simulated with the BWIN model. Age, where mean annual increment culminated, compared well with yield tables.

scholarly journals Development of Individual Tree Growth and Yield Model Across Multiple Contrasting Species Using Non-parametric and Parametric Methods in the Hyrcanian Forests of Northern Iran

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyedeh Kosar Hamidi ◽  
Aaron Weiskittel ◽  
Mahmoud Bayat ◽  
Asghar Fallah
Keyword(s):  
Tree Growth ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Parametric Models ◽  
Northern Iran ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Oriental Beech ◽  
Hyrcanian Forests ◽  
Individual Tree Growth ◽  
Artificial Neural ◽  
Non Parametric

Abstract BackgroundThe Hyrcanian forests of Iran contain many species-rich communities that can only be maintained through an understanding of the renewal and development of these forests. Located in the Jojadeh section of the Farim forest in northern Iran, individual tree growth of five distinct species [(Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky), chestnut-leaved oak (Quercus castaneifolia Coss. ex J.Gay), Persian maple (Acer velutinum Boiss.), common hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) and Caucasian alder (Alnus subcordata C.A.Mey.)] were measured on 313 permanent sample plots (0.1 ha) over a 10-year period (2003-2013). MethodsIn this analysis, various tree-level predictions were investigated using the available data with application of parametric models and two artificial neural networks (i.e., the multilayer perceptron (MLP) and radial basis function (RBF) networks). ResultsIndividual tree diameter growth models showed a robust negative relationship with basal area in larger trees (BAL), which was relatively consistent across species. A total height model indicated that the examined species did not differ for a given set of covariates. In the survival model, the survival probability of Oriental beech was lower than the other species, while the ingrowth model revealed sapling density of all species increased with the greater basal area. The artificial neural network based on the MLP was superior for all models and predicted more accurately than the RBF. Furthermore, the models based on the MLP were also superior to the parametric individual tree models developed using mixed-effect regression. ConclusionThe use of these developed models in forest planning and management is imperative, but assessment of long-term projection behavior across the contrasting statistical approaches used is warranted despite the general superiority of the non-parametric models.

Growth, yield, and structure of extended rotation Pinus resinosa stands in Minnesota, USA

2010 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 1000-1010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony W. D’Amato ◽  
Brian J. Palik ◽  
Christel C. Kern
Keyword(s):  
Volume Growth ◽  
Growth Yield ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Pinus Resinosa ◽  
Red Pine ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
Growing Stock ◽  
Ecological Objectives

Extended rotations are increasingly used to meet ecological objectives on forestland; however, information about long-term growth and yield of these systems is lacking for most forests in North America. Additionally, long-term growth responses to repeated thinnings in older stands have received little attention. We addressed these needs by examining the growth and yield of red pine ( Pinus resinosa Ait.) in a growing stock experiment in northern Minnesota. Stands were 85 years old at the onset of this experiment and were repeatedly thinned to five levels of basal area (13.8, 18.4, 23.0, 27.5, and 32.1 m2·ha–1) over 58 years. Cumulative volume production and volume growth were lowest within the lowest stocking treatment and similar across other stocking levels. Late-successional structural attributes, such as the density of trees with ≥40 cm diameter at breast height, was similar across stocking levels. The mean annual volume growth culminated between 130 and 140 years. Additionally, positive growth responses were observed within the highest stocking-level treatments after thinning at 138 years, demonstrating the ability of older red pine to respond to reductions in competition. These results illustrate that extended rotations with repeated thinnings in red pine help achieve ecological goals, including the restoration of old-forest structure, while also maintaining high levels of stand productivity.

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