Factors affecting the relationship between sapwood area and leaf area of balsam fir

1992 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 1684-1693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie R. Coyea ◽  
Hank A. Margolis
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sapwood Area ◽  
Crown Length ◽  
Basal Area Growth ◽  
Area Growth

The ratio between projected leaf area (LA) and cross-sectional sapwood area (SA) of dominant and codominant balsam fir trees (Abiesbalsamea (L.) Mill.) was determined in 24 forest stands across the province of Quebec. Various physical factors proposed in the Whitehead hydraulic model, and some of the easily measured surrogates of these factors, were tested for their influence on LA:SA ratios. Average growing season vapor pressure deficit, temperature, precipitation, and stand drainage class did not significantly influence LA:SA ratios. On the other hand, LA:SA ratios were positively influenced by sapwood permeability (k), tree height, and crown length. As suggested by the model, there was a positive correlation between sapwood permeability and LA:SA ratio and a negative correlation between tree height or crown length and LA/(SA k). Increases in sapwood permeability with tree age were associated with longer tracheids having larger lumen diameters. Of the various empirical factors tested, only site quality, 5-year basal area growth, and age had a significant influence on LA:SA ratios. Sapwood cross-sectional area at breast height by itself was a reasonable linear predictor of LA for all stands (LA = −0.158 + 0.709 SABH, R2 = 0.75). Using the variables that were previously determined to influence LA:SA ratios, stepwise regressions revealed that only crown length and 5-year basal area growth significantly improved linear predictions of LA based on sapwood area. However, the increase in R2 was relatively modest, i.e., 0.83 for all three independent variables versus 0.75 for SA alone. The results from this study will be useful in integrating physiologically based measurements, such as growth efficiency, into standard forest inventory practices for balsam fir and thus could be beneficial in developing new silvicultural strategies for protecting Quebec's forest resource.

The historical reconstruction of growth efficiency and its relationship to tree mortality in balsam fir ecosystems affected by spruce budworm

1994 ◽  
Vol 24 (11) ◽  
pp. 2208-2221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie R. Coyea ◽  
Hank A. Margolis
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
Growth Efficiency ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Basal Area Growth ◽  
Annual Growth Rings ◽  
Area Growth

The growth efficiencies (E; stemwood growth per unit leaf area) of balsam fir (Abiesbalsamea (L.) Mill.) trees from 20 stands were reconstructed over the 30-year period from 1960 to 1989 in order to determine if E could be used to predict tree mortality occurring during and after an epidemic of eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneurafumiferana (Clem.)). Growth efficiencies were reconstructed based on the relationship between age and the number of annual growth rings in the cross-sectional area of heartwood at breast height (R2 = 0.97) and on the previously demonstrated relationship between sapwood area and leaf area of balsam fir across a wide geographic area. Profile and logistic regression analyses demonstrated that apparent E (i.e., the historically reconstructed E) of surviving trees was greater than that of dead trees for every year of the 30-year analysis period. For trees in the 25- to 35-year age-class in 1960, apparent E was the only variable measured prior to the epidemic that was significantly related to balsam fir mortality. For all trees (aged 11 to 46 years in 1960), both tree age and apparent E were significant factors prior to the epidemic. During and following the epidemic, several of the more standard mensurational variables (e.g., diameter and basal area growth) were also significantly associated with balsam fir mortality, but apparent E had the highest levels of significance. Using logistical regression, critical E values below which trees would be predicted to die were calculated as 5-year running averages for the period prior to the epidemic (1960–1968). These were stable at around 0.17 × 10−4 m2 basal area growth•(m2 leaf area)−1•year−1. Following the epidemic, critical E values were again stable but at a lower level of around 0.07. There was a negative exponential relationship between apparent E and leaf area. Furthermore, for the same level of leaf area, surviving trees had a higher apparent E than trees that died, up to approximately 30 m2 of leaf area. These results suggest that growth efficiency should be considered as part of standard forest inventories in the balsam fir zone because of its ease of measure and its apparent ability to provide a sensitive, physiologically based index of forest health. Furthermore, the technique of historically reconstructing E demonstrated in this study may be of interest for other types of dendrochronological research.

The adjustment of growth, sapwood area, heartwood area, and sapwood saturated permeability of balsam fir after different intensities of pruning

1988 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 723-727 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hank A. Margolis ◽  
Robert R. Gagnon ◽  
David Pothier ◽  
Marius Pineau
Keyword(s):  
Basal Area ◽  
Growth Increment ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sapwood Area ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Basal Area Growth ◽  
Area Growth

Balsam fir trees established from advanced regeneration following a clear-cut in 1970 were pruned in June 1985 to live crown ratios of 0.6, 0.4, and 0.2 compared with control trees, which had live crown ratios of 0.8. After two growing seasons, we investigated the homeostatic adjustment of these trees to the loss of their foliage. The height growth, basal area growth, sapwood cross-sectional area, heartwood area, and sapwood saturated permeability of the trees that were pruned to a 0.6 live crown ratio were not significantly different from those of the controls. On the other hand, height growth increment following pruning was reduced 16.7 cm (23%) and 19.5 cm (27%) for the trees pruned to 0.4 and 0.2 live crown ratios, respectively. Furthermore, basal area growth following pruning was reduced 3.2 cm2 (30%) and 6.5 cm2 (61%), respectively. While trees in both the 0.4 and 0.2 live crown ratio pruning treatments did adjust their breast height sapwood area in response to the removal of foliage, the nature of this adjustment differed between the two treatments. For the trees with the 0.4 live crown ratio, sapwood area was reduced because of a reduction in basal area growth but the area of heartwood remained unchanged. For the trees with the 0.2 live crown ratio, the changes in sapwood area were due both to a reduction in basal area growth and an expansion of the heartwood. The saturated permeability of sapwood was not significantly affected by pruning. The adaptive implications of balsam fir's response to the loss of foliage are discussed in terms of the optimizing the allocation of a limited amount of available carbon.

Leaf area prediction models for Tsuga canadensis in Maine

1999 ◽  
Vol 29 (10) ◽  
pp. 1574-1582 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura S Kenefic ◽  
Robert S Seymour
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Model Performance ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Growth Efficiency ◽  
Tsuga Canadensis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sapwood Area ◽  
Crown Length

Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr. (eastern hemlock) is a common species throughout the Acadian forest. Studies of leaf area and growth efficiency in this forest type have been limited by the lack of equations to predict leaf area of this species. We found that sapwood area was an effective leaf area surrogate in T. canadensis, though adding crown length to the sapwood equations improved model performance. Prediction bias was observed at the upper end of our data for the best sapwood equation. Sapwood area at crown base did not predict leaf area as well as sapwood area at breast height. Equations using crown length or crown volume alone were the least effective of all models tested. Models using stem cross-sectional area inside the bark or tree basal area with a modified live crown ratio produced results comparable with those of the best sapwood-based model and were unbiased across the range of our data. There findings verify the value of nonsapwood-based approaches to T. canadensis leaf area prediction.

scholarly journals The relationship between leaf area and basal area growth in jack and red pine trees

1996 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Penner ◽  
Godelieve Deblonde
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area Index ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Growth Efficiency ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Red Pine ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Sapwood Area ◽  
Basal Area Growth ◽  
Area Growth

Relationships between leaf area and sapwood area, sapwood area and basal area, and leaf area and basal area growth are determined for jack pine and red pine. The relationships vary with species and stand origin. Growth efficiency (basal area growth per unit leaf area) is relatively independent of tree size under all but the densest conditions. Observed changes in the leaf area to leaf mass ratio from July to October indicate that allometric relationships vary seasonally. A procedure is outlined for obtaining estimates of stand leaf area index (LAI). These estimates may be used to calibrate instruments that measure LAI and, subsequently, to predict forest productivity. Key words: leaf area index, basal area, growth efficiency, red pine, jack pine, sapwood area

Tree vigor and stand growth of Douglas-fir as influenced by laminated root rot

1985 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 985-988 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ram Oren ◽  
Walter G. Thies ◽  
Richard H. Waring
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Root Rot ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Basal Area Increment ◽  
Sapwood Area ◽  
Stand Growth ◽  
Area Growth ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Stand Basal Area

Total stand sapwood basal area, a measure of competing canopy leaf area, was reduced 30% by laminated root rot induced by Phellinusweirii (Murr.) Gilb. in a heavily infected 40-year-old coastal stand of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) compared with that of a similar uninfected stand. Annual basal area increment per unit of sapwood area, an index of tree vigor, was expected to increase in uninfected trees in the infected stand as surrounding trees died from root rot; vigor of the uninfected trees did increase by an average of 30%, offsetting the reduction in canopy leaf area. This increase, although less than might be expected in an evenly spaced thinned stand, was sufficient to maintain stand basal area growth at levels similar to those of unthinned forests. These findings indicate that increased growth by residual trees must be taken into account when the impact of disease-induced mortality on stand production is assessed.

scholarly journals Influence of Soil Site Class on Growth and Decay of Northern White-Cedar and Two Associates in Maine

2009 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip V. Hofmeyer ◽  
Robert S. Seymour ◽  
Laura S. Kenefic
Keyword(s):  
Light Exposure ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Red Spruce ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
White Cedar ◽  
Basal Area Growth ◽  
Area Growth ◽  
Northern White Cedar ◽  
Mineral Soils

Abstract Basal area growth of outwardly sound northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.) was compared with that of balsam fir (Abies balsamea [L.] Mill.) and red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) across site and light exposure class gradients on 60 sites throughout northern Maine. Once adjusted for sapwood area, northern white-cedar basal area growth was not strongly affected by site or light exposure class; growth was similar to that of red spruce but generally lower than that of balsam fir. Site index did not differ appreciably among soil drainage classes for red spruce and northern white-cedar, although small sample size limited analysis on upland site classes. Incidence of central decay was higher in northern white-cedar than balsam fir, which was higher than red spruce. Incidence of decay in outwardly sound northern white-cedar and balsam fir was highest on well-drained mineral soils, and mean proportion of basal area decayed at breast height increased in outwardly sound northern white-cedar as drainage improved from poorly drained to well-drained soils. These data suggest that northern white-cedar on lowland organic and poorly drained mineral soils in Maine have less decay, similar basal area growth, and similar site index relative to upland northern white-cedar communities.

Derivation of a competitive index for individual trees from seasonal growth patterns

1984 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 266-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick W. Smith ◽  
David R. M. Scott
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Growth Patterns ◽  
Seasonal Growth ◽  
Competitive Index ◽  
Primary Mechanism ◽  
Basal Area Growth ◽  
Area Growth ◽  
Individual Trees

A competitive index for lodgepole pine (Pinuscontorta Dougl.) trees in central Oregon is developed from seasonal basal area growth and an indirect estimator of foliar leaf area. Differences in seasonal basal area growth and the ratio of basal area growth to sapwood basal area between trees with and without neighbors are used to document growth reductions owing to the proximity of competing individuals. A regression between basal area growth and sapwood basal area (an estimator of leaf area) is used as a predictor of maximum potential basal area growth for trees growing free of competition. The competitive index is determined as the ratio of actual to potential basal area growth for individual trees. This index standardizes growth against differences in tree size and site conditions. Plant and soil water relations are considered as possible mechanisms of competitive interaction. Moderate minimum seasonal values of predawn leaf pressure potentials (−0.76 to −0.92 MPa) and minor differences between trees in different competitive classes led to the conclusion that soil water may not be the primary mechanism of competition on this site.

Estimation of foliage area in dense Montana lodgepole pine stands

1987 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 320-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger D. Hungerford
Keyword(s):  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Area Ratio ◽  
Density Range ◽  
Sapwood Area ◽  
Crown Length ◽  
Pine Stands

Six stands of lodgepole pine, Pinuscontorta ssp. latifolia (Engelm.) Critchfield, in Montana were sampled to evaluate sapwood area (at 1.37 m and the crown base), basal area (at 1.37 m), tree height, and crown length as predictors of foliage area. Densities of the six stands ranged from 2900 to 17 800 stems/ha. This density range was picked to determine how stand density affects the ratio of foliage area to basal sapwood area. Regression estimates of foliage area using basal area and sapwood area at 1.37 m and the crown base were equally good. Within the sampled range of stand densities, differences in the foliage area to sapwood area ratio were not significant. The amount of foliage area served per unit of sapwood area (at 1.37 m) averaged 0.25 m2/cm2 for all 54 trees sampled. This value of foliage area per unit of sapwood area in dense stands was smaller than most other published values.

Crown rise due to competition drives biomass allocation in silver birch

2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (12) ◽  
pp. 2395-2404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sakari Ilomäki ◽  
Eero Nikinmaa ◽  
Annikki Mäkelä
Keyword(s):  
Basal Area ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Silver Birch ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Functional Balance ◽  
Crown Length ◽  
Pipe Model ◽  
Strong Linear Correlation ◽  
Total Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Study Support

This study tests the hypothesis that the aboveground structure of silver birch (Betula pendula L.) is derivable from crown rise across a range of social positions of trees. Data were measured in 30-year-old birch monocultures of three different initial spacings. As suggested by the pipe model, there was a strong linear correlation between the total cross-sectional area of branches and that of stem at crown base. Foliage mass correlated with stem basal area at crown base. An allometric relationship was found between foliage mass and crown length, and the mean length (weighted by basal area) of branches correlated linearly with crown length. Pipe ratios of branches and foliage were found to be independent of slenderness (= tree height / breast height diameter). The proportion of stem in aboveground biomass increased from 80% to 96% when the slenderness index increased, the proportions of branches and leaves decreasing, respectively. For crown biomass, the proportion of foliage was greater in the more slender stems, accompanied with a corresponding decrease in the proportion of stems, while the share of branches remained rather constant. The ratio of productive (foliage) and nonproductive (stem plus branches) biomass inside the crown was positively correlated with slenderness, but in the whole tree, the ratio declined with increasing slenderness. The results of this study support the theory of functional balance and seem to be in conflict with the priority principle of allocation.

scholarly journals Coupe préparatoire et croissance en surface terrière d'une sapiniére de seconde venue à la forêt modèle du Bas-Saint-Laurent, Québec

2001 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
pp. 685-695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Zarnovican ◽  
Jean-Martin Lussier ◽  
Claude Laberge
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Relative Size ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Basal Area Growth ◽  
Periodic Growth ◽  
Area Growth ◽  
Crown Characteristics ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
The Impact

Balsam fir basal area growth was studied 5 years after the preparatory cut in the context of natural regeneration by the shelterwood system. The study was carried out in a 60-year-old second-growth balsam fir-yellow birch stand. The felling trials were realized in 16 plots and consisted of control and three felling regimes (15, 30 and 45% of removed basal area). The periodic (5 years) mean growth rate on dbh of trees in plots varies between 6 and 12% in response to felling intensity. The basal area of plots presents a mean periodic growth rate of 7.4% independently of felling intensity. There are highly significant correlations between the live crown characteristics and periodic basal area growth. This growth is highly correlated with inital diameter and intensity of felling. The trees of higher relative size are more productive than the others and the impact of felling on periodic basal area growth is significant when the intensity of felling is greater than 30%. Conversely, the ratio between periodic basal area growth after treatment and periodic basal area growth before treatment is correlated only with the intensity of felling. Finally, intensity of felling had no effect on periodic basal area growth per square meter of crown projected area. Key words: preparatory felling, basal area growth, balsam fir

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document