scholarly journals Stand density management diagrams and their development and utility in black spruce management

1993 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 421-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. F. Newton ◽  
G. F. Weetman

A stand density management diagram for black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) was developed using data derived from 49 0.081-ha permanent sample plots and 257 open-grown sample trees located throughout central insular Newfoundland. The diagram illustrated the reciprocal equation of the competition-density effect, self-thinning rule, approximate crown closure line, zone of imminent competition-mortality, and isolines for relative density, quadratic mean diameter and merchantability ratio. Mean prediction error for natural stand trajectories over a 30-projection period were 2.5 dm3 for mean volume, 306 stems/ha for density, 16.1 m3/ha for merchantable volume, 14.3 m3/ha for total volume, and 1.9 m2/ha for basal area. Implementation procedures using a combination of monoareal and polyareal sampling methods were described and the potential application of the diagram for evaluating thinning alternatives was demonstrated. Limitations of the diagram and future research directions were identified. Key words: stand density management diagram, black spruce, natural stands, central Newfoundland

2007 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahadev Sharma ◽  
S.Y. Zhang

Abstract A stand density management diagram was developed for jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) stands using the data obtained from 125 permanent sample plots (PSPs) established in Ontario and 232 PSPs in Quebec, Canada. The diagram was evaluated using data from 40 PSPs established in Ontario. Recently developed and efficient models have been used in constructing the diagram to estimate diameters and heights for the trees for which no diameters or heights were recorded at the time of stand inventory. Relative density indices of 0.15, 0.40, and 0.55 were used, corresponding to the line of approximate crown closure, the limit of productive zone, and the lower limit of competition-related mortality, respectively. If two stand characteristics are known, including mean total tree volume, quadratic mean diameter, trees per hectare, and average dominant height, the others can be readily obtained using the diagram. The consequences of various thinning scenarios can be plotted and visualized in the field without the need for computer simulation.


1994 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. F. Newton ◽  
G. F. Weetman

A stand density management diagram for managed black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) stands was developed using data derived from 37 variable-size temporary and permanent sample plots, and 257 open-grown sample trees. The plots were situated within 15 plantations and 4 precommercially thinned stands located throughout central and western Newfoundland, north-western New Brunswick and northern Ontario. The basic components of the diagram included: (1) an approximate crown closure line (2) the self-thinning rule (3) expected size-density trajectories and (4) isolines for dominant height, relative density index, quadratic mean diameter and merchantability ratio. The utility of the diagram was demonstrated by deriving yields for various initial spacings by site class and subsequently evaluating various outcomes in terms of operability criteria. In addition, the potential of estimating the time of crown closure by initial spacing and site class is discussed in relation to minimizing the adverse effects of Kalmia angustifolia (L.) on black spruce growth and development. Key words: stand density management diagram, initial spacing, black spruce, operability, Kalmia angustifolia (L.)


1997 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 257-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. F. Newton

Algorithmic versions of stand density management diagrams (SDMDs) were developed for natural and managed black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) stands. Specifically, the IBM-compatible PC-based algorithms (1) graphically illustrate site-specific size-density trajectories for eight user-specified initial density regimes, (2) given (1), calculate and subsequent tabulate periodic yield estimates (mean dominant height, density, mean volume, total volume, total merchantable volume, quadratic mean diameter, and basal area), and (3) given (2), graphically illustrate empirically-derived yield production curves for total merchantable volume ha−1 and stems m−3 with user-specified operability criteria superimposed. Instructions on acquiring the executable algorithmic versions including the required graphical subroutines via the Internet are described. Currently, the algorithms are restricted in applicability to central insular Newfoundland. Key words: stand density management diagrams, black spruce, algorithms, microcomputer, World-Wide Web (WWW), hypertext browser, file transfer protocol (FTP).


1998 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter F. Newton

Abstract A regional-specific algorithmic stand density management diagram was developed for managed upland black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] B.S.P.) stands applicable to Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario. Specifically, the IBM-compatible PC-based algorithm (1) graphically illustrates site-specific size-density trajectories for 8 user-specified initial density regimes, (2) calculates and subsequently tabulates periodic yield estimates from 5-50 yr by 5 yr intervals for mean dominant height, density, mean volume, total volume, total merchantable volume, quadratic mean diameter, and basal area, (3) given (2), graphically illustrates empirically derived yield production curves for total merchantable volume per hectare and number of stems per cubic meter with user-specified operability criteria superimposed, and (4) given (3), calculates and subsequently tabulates the minimum time required to attain operability status. The utility of the algorithm is demonstrated within the context of determining site-specific initial densities required to attain user-specified operability criteria. Procedures for acquiring the executable version via the Internet are also included. North. J. Appl. For. 15(2):94-97.


2007 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory J. Jordan ◽  
Mark J. Ducey

Abstract Using data from 449 trees on 69 growth-and-yield plots located in southern and central New Hampshire, we developed models of crown radius for stand-grown eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) in New Hampshire. In addition to dbh, we tested single-tree measurements sometimes collected in forest inventories (such as live crown length and live crown ratio [LCR]), as well as simple variables to compensate for stand density and competitive position of the tree. A model using dbh, stand basal area (BA), and LCR provided the best predictions, but a model using dbh, stand BA, and the ratio of dbh to stand quadratic mean diameter proved nearly as accurate. We compare these equations to previously published equations for white pine.


2004 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
P F Newton ◽  
Y. Lei ◽  
S Y Zhang

The objectives of this study were to develop and subsequently demonstrate a parameter prediction approach for estimating black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill. ) BSP) diameter frequency distributions within the context of a stand density management diagram (SDMD). The approach consisted of three sequential steps: (1) obtaining maximum likelihood estimates for the location, scale and shape parameters of the Weibull probability density function for 153 empirical diameter frequency distributions; (2) developing and evaluating parameter prediction equations in which the Weibull parameter estimates were expressed as functions of stand-level variables based on step-wise regression and seemingly unrelated regression techniques; and (3) explicitly incorporating the parameter prediction equations into the SDMD modelling framework. The results indicated that the Weibull function was successful in characterizing the diameter distributions within the sample stands: the fitted distributions exhibited no significant (p ≤ 0. 05) differences in relation to their corresponding observed distributions, based on the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The parameter prediction equations described 94, 94 and 89% of the variation in the location, scale and shape parameter estimates, respectively. Furthermore, evaluation of the recovered distributions in terms of prediction error indicated minimal biases and acceptable accuracy. As demonstrated, incorporating the parameter prediction equations into an algorithmic version of the SDMD enabled the prediction of the temporal dynamics of the diameter frequency distribution by initial density regime and site quality. Additionally, an executable version of the resultant algorithm with instructions on acquiring it via the Internet is provided. Key words: 3-parameter Weibull probability density function, stepwise and seemingly unrelated regression, predictive error, product value, algorithm, Internet


1998 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian R. Sturtevant ◽  
John A. Bissonett ◽  
James N. Long

Abstract Stand density management diagrams (SDMDs) provide a useful means of predicting the consequences of alternative density management regimes. The specific objectives of this project were to create a SDMD that could (a) be applied to mixed balsam fir-black spruce stands, and (b) allow structural predictions beyond the typical 60 yr pulpwood rotation period. We constructed the SDMD using data from 129 horizontal point samples from 24 stands and 17 permanent sample plot measurements within 9 stands, located in western and central Newfoundland. The model has not been tested with an independent data set, and should therefore be viewed as a first approximation. We further discuss the diagram's applicability, and provide an example of its utility by demonstrating a precommercial thinning treatment versus no treatment scenario. North. J. Appl. For. 15(1):17-22.


2013 ◽  
Vol 89 (03) ◽  
pp. 350-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole J. Fenton ◽  
Louis Imbeau ◽  
Timothy Work ◽  
Jenna Jacobs ◽  
Hervé Bescond ◽  
...  

Multi-cohort management that creates or maintains an uneven structure within forest stands has been widely advocated as a means to attenuate the impact of forest harvesting. An experimental network was put in place in black spruce forests of northwestern Québec to test this assertion. Here we synthesize the biodiversity results in two main lessons: (1) at least 40% to 60% retention of pre-harvest basal area was required to maintain pre-harvest conditions for most species groups; (2) partial harvests showed the potential to be efficient deadwood delivery systems. In addition to these two main general conclusions, we emphasise that future research should examine whether partial harvest may be able to advance forest succession.


2010 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
pp. 498-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jérôme Cimon-Morin ◽  
Jean-Claude Ruel ◽  
Marcel Darveau ◽  
Jean-Martin Lussier ◽  
Philippe Meek ◽  
...  

It is increasingly accepted that silviculture must now try to maintain complex stands. In this context, selection cutting has been suggested as an option for irregular boreal stands. However, selection cutting in virgin stands could prove difficult to apply at a reasonable cost. In an attempt to reduce harvesting costs, two selection cutting patterns were implemented, avoiding tree marking. The efficacy of this approach was evaluated by comparing the results of plots harvested without tree marking to those with tree marking. To proceed in the absence of tree marking, silvicultural types were defined as well as a rule for the selection of stems to harvest; the final choice of stems to fell was therefore left to the operator upon harvesting. The effects of the different silvicultural and tree marking treatments were examined in relation to their ability to maintain the main structural and functional attributes of irregular boreal stands. A follow-up was conducted with regards to structure, composition, residual stand basal area, abundance of woody debris and mortality. The absence of marking did not affect the performance of selection cutting treatments in terms of basal area, quadratic mean diameter and Shannon index. Tree vigour was not modified by harvesting, both with and without tree marking. Stand composition was not influenced by the absence of marking. Snag abundance was reduced to similar levels regardless of marking. Tree marking did not influence the abundance of downed woody debris. As a consequence, it seems possible to apply a simplified approach of selection cutting, without compromising the success of the treatment in these stands.Key words: black spruce, Picea mariana, balsam fir, Abies balsamea, irregular stand, selection cutting, ecosystem management, forest attributes


2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Chmura ◽  
Jan Matras ◽  
Władysław Barzdajn ◽  
Włodzimierz Buraczyk ◽  
Wojciech Kowalkowski ◽  
...  

Abstract Provenance experiments traditionally provide information on genetic variation within tree species in adaptation ability and other traits important for commercial forestry. In this study we investigated variation in growth among 20 populations of Nor­way spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst) at four common-garden sites of the IUFRO 1972 provenance experimental series at the age close to half of rotation. Because stand density varied among sites, we analyzed stand density-adjusted basal area (BA) and quadratic mean diameter (Dq). The examined prove­nances varied significantly in both analyzed traits. We identi­fied provenances that performed consistently better or worse than average across all four sites. Among the well-growing and possibly adaptive seed sources were those from the uplands of the eastern and central Poland, Sudety Mts, and from the regi­on of Istebna in Beskid Mts. Performance of the other populati­ons from Beskid Mountains was average to poor, and all high-altitude populations were poor-growing. The results of this study help to verify the knowledge of genetic variation pattern among Norway spruce populations in Poland, and to guide management decisions regarding spruce planting material.


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