Base-age invariant polymorphic site curves

Robert L. Bailey

USDA, Forest Serv.,So Forest  Expt  Stn, New Orleans, LA 70113

Jerome L. Clutter.  

Uinv Georgia, Dept Forest Resources & Statistics, Athens, GA  30601

Abstract

Polymorphic curves fitted by techniques in which site index is a predictor variable are specific to a preselected base age. A new approach eliminates this problem and the need to quantify site quality with the data before estimating parameters. Height-over-age curves for Pinu radiata D. Don in New Zealand are produced with linear least-squares estimation . Bailey, Clutter 1974. For. Sci. 20:155-159

Additional key words

 Anamorphic curves, tree height, Pinus radiata

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A compatible model relating slash pine plantation survival to density, age, site index, and type and intensity of thinning  

Robert  L. Bailey

Bailey RL, Univ. Georgia, Sch Forest  Resources,Athens,GA 30602

 Bruce E. Borders 

US Forest Serv., SE Forest Expt Stn, Macon, GA

 Kenneth  D. Ware 

US Forest Serv.,SE Forest Expt Stn, Athens, GA

Earke P. Jones,Jr.  

US Forest Serv.,SE Forest Expt Stn, Athens, GA

 

Abstract

Change in numbers of surviving trees in repeatedly thinned old-field slash pine plantations was found to be significantly related to age, density, site index, and level and type of thinning. A difference equation model was derived and fitted with data from 824 growth periods from 289 manumented plots. This difference equation formulation is a logical extension of prior models to now express the effects of type and level of thinning, site index, and differential age effccts. It is also compatible with other models required in a useful and consistent growth and yield prediction system for thinned stands. Thinning from below in young stands tended to accelerate mortality; mortality rate was directly related to site index. These facts are accounted for by the model. Bailey, Borders 1985. For. Sci. 31(1) :180-189.

Additional key words

Pinus elliolfii, difference equation model, growth predicting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aboveground Weight and Volume of Unthinned, Planted Longleaf Pine on West Gulf Forest Sites.

V. Clark  Baldwin,

US Forest Serv, USDA, So Res Stn, 200 Weaver Blvd, Asheville, NC 28802 USA

Joseph R. Saucier

USDA,Forest Serv., Forestry Sci., SE Forest Expt Stn, Carlton St, Athens, GA 30602

Abstract

Volume( cubic foot) and weight predictions (green and dry) are presented in  equations and tables for aboveground total tree and tree components of unthinned, planted longleaf pine trees. The 111 sample trees, from 10 stands in Louisiana and Texas, were 10 to 44 years old and ranged from 1 to 21 inches dbh. The data for saplings(dbh<5 inches) were analyzed separately from that of commercial sized trees(dbh>5 inches).  The linearized allometric model utilizes the variable D^2H(squared diameter at breast height multiplied by total tree height) the predict volumes and weights of tree component in two size classes.  Baldwin, Saucier 1983. Research Paper SO-191. New Orleans, LA: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Forest Experiment Station. 25 p. 1983  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimation of total yield of Douglas-fir by means of incomplete growth series  

Jean Bégin

Univ Laval, Fac Foresterie & geomat, Quebec city G1K 7P4,PQ,Canada

Jean-Philippe Schütz

Eth Zentrum, Ecole Polytech Fed Zurich, CH-8092 Zurich, Swizerland

Summary 

This study establishes and validates a method that takes into account yield levels and permits the reconstruction and modelling of the evolution of total yield based on incomplete growth series. The calculation of total yield of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb) Franco var menziesii Franco) is carried out by integrating the equation of volume increment per metre dominant height growth. The model utilized explains 94.8% of the variation in volume increment per metre height growth of the 14 experimental plots. The evolution of total yield is calculated for 4 current increment levels. The concept of current increment levels is similar to the concept of yield levels, and corresponds to the value of volume increment per metre height growth, at a height of 30 m. At an equivalent yield level, the calculated total yield curves correspond closely to those calculated by Bergel (1 985). Begin,  Schutz 1994. Ann. Sci. Forest 51 (4): 345-355.

Key words

total yield , yield level , current increment level,  volume Increment, Douglas fir  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Improved estimates of site-index curves using a varying-parameter model  

Greg S. Biging 

Univ Calif. Berkley, Dept Forestry & Resource Management, Berkley, CA 94720,USA

Abstract

Current methods for developing site index curves from stem analysis data or from remeasured permanent plots commonly regress height on age (or age and site) using a nonlinear regression model fitted to the pooled observations. While this is a computationally efficient method, it does not satisfactorily account for between-tree differences in individual tree height growth. This paper presents a varying-parameter (linear random regression coefficient) model that is derived by fitting height growth models to each individual tree in the data set A weighted least squares technique is then employed to combine thex individual estimates to f O R Ma mean estimate of the parameters of a sigmoid height growth model. These parameters are then used to predict the height development of site trees. An example of the procedure is given using stem analysis data from primarily dominant trees in the young-growth mixed conifer forests of California. Biging 1985. For. Sci. 31:248-259.

Additional key words

Stem analysis data, sigmoid model, height growth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loblolly pine - pushing the limits of growth 

Bruce E. Borders 

Univ  Georgia, Sch Forest  Resources,Athens,GA 30602 USA

 Robert L. Bailey  

Univ Georgia, DB Warnell Sch Forest Resources, Athens, GA 30605 USA

Abstract

The age of intensive plantation forestry in the Southeastern US rapidly approaches. Based on data through age 9 from loblolly pine plantations subjected to complete weed control and multiple fertilizations, growth rates to be expected equal or exceed those for southern pines grown in other countries under intensive cultural practices. Predictions of continuing growth through age 15 and economical analyses indicate that these cultural practices will be excellent financial investments for the owners of forest land. Borders,  Bailey 1997. CAPPS: Consortium on Accelerated Pine Production Studies Technical Report, CAPPS 1997-1. The University of Georgia, Cooperative Extension Service, Forest Resources Publication.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A comparison of spot and landset-TM data for use in conducting inventories of forest resources

Brockhaus, J.A. 

N Carolina State Univ, Dept Forestry, Raleigh, NC 27695

Siamak Khorram

N Carolina State Univ, Ctr Comp Graph, Raleigh,NC 27695

Abstract

SPOT multispectral (XS) and Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) digital data were studied in an attempt to evaluate the use of this data in detailed assessments of forest conditions. Forest type, basal area, and age class information were collected from 256 sample sites within an intensively managed 80 000 acre experimental forest in North Carolina, U.S.A. A comparison of the SPOT and TM data with the sample site information showed that XS3, the near-infrared waveband, and TM bands 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 were significantly correlated with basal area. Age class was not found to be significantly correlated with any of the three SPOT XS wavebands. TM bands 2, 3, 4,5, and 7 were, however, shown to be significantly correlated with age class. Although significant, the correlation coefficients between the TM or SPOT waveband data and basal area or age class were low (<0.65). Six forest cover types, and an additional water category, were selected as the basis of a land cover classification system for use with the TM and SPOT data. Verification of the classification of the seven cover types using the SPOT XS waveband data resulted in an estimated accuracy of 74.4 per cent. Classification accuracy was slightly reduced (70.8 per cent) when the TM wavebands corresponding to the SPOT XS bands were used as inputs to the classifier. When each of the six visible and reflective infrared TM wavebands were included in the classification process overall accuracy increased to 88.5 per cent. Bockhaus,  Khorrams 1992. S. Int J of Remote Sensing 13:3035-3043.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spatial distribution of biomass in forests of the eastern USA

Sandra L. Brown

US Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Laboratory,

Western Ecology Division, 200 SW 35th St, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA

Paul Schroeder

Dynamac Corp., 200 SW 35th St, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA

 Jeffrey S. Kern

Dynamac Corp., 200 SW 35th St, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA 


Abstract


We produced a map of the biomass density and pools, at the county scale of resolution, of all forests of the eastern US using new approaches for converting inventoried wood volume to estimates of above and belowground biomass. Maps provide a visual representation of the pattern of forest biomass densities and pools over space that are useful for forest managers and decision makers, and as databases for verification of vegetation models. We estimated biomass density and pools at the county level from the USDA Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis database on growing stock volume by forest type and stand size-class, and mapped the results in a geographic information system. We converted stand volume to aboveground biomass with regression equations for biomass expansion factors (BEF; ratio of aboveground biomass density of all living trees to merchantable volume) versus stand volume. Belowground biomass was estimated as a function of aboveground biomass with regression equations. Total biomass density for hardwood forests ranged from 36 to 344 Mg ha(-1), with an area-weighted mean of 159 Mg ha(-1). About 50% of all counties had hardwood forests with biomass densities between 125 and 175 Mg ha(-1). For softwood forests, biomass density ranged from 2 to 346 Mg ha(-1), with an area-weighted mean of 110 Mg ha(-1). Biomass densities were generally lower for softwoods than for hardwoods; ca. 40% of all counties had softwood forests with biomass densities between 75 and 125 Mg ha(-1). Highest amounts of forest biomass were located in the Northern Lake states, mountain areas of the Mid-Atlantic states, and parts of New England, and lowest amounts in the Midwest states. The total biomass for all eastern forests for the late 1980s was estimated at 20.5 Pg, 80% of which was in hardwood forests. Brown, Schroeder 1999. For.  Ecol. Manage. 123 (1): 81-90.

Author Keywords
aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, biomass distribution, carbon cycle, disturbance, hardwood forests, softwood forests, USA

Key Words Plus
Model, Storage, Cycle 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A forestry application of Schnute's generalized growth function  

Brian V Bredenkamp

Saasveld Forestry Res Ctr, Private Bag X6515,George 6530,South  Africa

 Timothy G.  Gregoire  

Virginia Polytech Inst & State Uinv.,Sch  Forestry & Wildlife Resources, Blacksburg,VA 24061

 

Abstract

A case is presented where the Chapman-Richards growth function is suitable to describe growth for a certain period during the life of a stand of Eucalyptus grandis in South Africa. Toward the end of that period, diameter growth exhibited strong asymptotic properties. After marked competition mortality, the stand resumed growth beyond what had appeared to be an asymptotic level and the Chapman-Richards function could no longer be satisfactorily fitted. A generalized growth function developed by Schnute successfully tracked this renewed growth. The parametric relationships between the two models are established.  Bredenkamp, Gregoire 1988. For. Sci. 34(3):790-797.

Additional key words

Chapman-Richards growth function, Eucalyptus grandis, C.C.T., stand density effects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A method of constructing site index curves from measurements of tree age and height --- Its application to inland Douglas-fir

James E. Brickell

US Forest Service , No Reg, Timber Management Staff, Missoula, MT 59806SERV,NO

Abstract

This paper describes a method of constructing site index curves from one-time measurements of age and height of trees in the dominant stand. Site index curves for Engelmann spruce (Picea - engelmannii Parry) have already been constructed using this method (1): In this paper curves are constructed for inland Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca (Mirb.) France) to illustrate how to use the method. This method has the advantage of being applicable to the kind of site tree data usually taken in the course of forest inventories. Moreover, the disadvantages of these data are compensated fzr to some degree by the fact that the resulting site index curves will usually be used with the same kind of data, containing the same hidden effects of past damage. The method is a generalization of the Osborne-Schumacher method (10), which assumes equal representation of a particular site quality in all age classes. The generalization does not require residuals about the mean curve of height over age to be normally distributed. A disadvantage of the method proposed i n this paper is that it requires a relatively large number of sample trees--at least 1,500 paired measurements of age and height should be available.  Brickell 1968. Res. Pap. Int-47, USDA For. Serv. 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aboveground biomass distribution of US eastern hardwood forests and the use of large trees as an indicator of forest development

Sandra Brown 

US EPA, Natl Hlth & Environm Effects Res Lab,Western Ecol Div, Dynam Corp., 200 SW 35th  St, Corvallis,OR 97333
 Paul Schroeder 

Dynamac Corporation, US Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research  Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, 200 SW 35th St. Corvallis, OR 97333,USA

Richard Birdsey

  USDA Forest Service, Northeast Forest Experiment Station, 100 Matsonford Rd, Radnor, PA 19087, USA

Abstract

Past clearing and harvesting of the deciduous hardwood forests of eastern USA released large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, but through recovery and regrowth these forests are now accumulating atmospheric carbon (C). This study examined quantities and distribution of aboveground biomass density (AGBD, M-g ha(-1)) of US eastern hardwood forests and assessed their biological potential for continued biomass accumulation in the future. Studies have shown that the presence of a large proportion of the AGBD of moist tropical forests in large diameter trees (> 70 cm diameter) is indicative of mature and undisturbed conditions. This relationship was tested as a criterion for the eastern US deciduous forests to assess their stage of recovery and maturity, and evaluate their potential for continued C storage. The approach was to compare AGBD and its distribution in large trees for old-growth forests derived from published studies and for oak-hickory and maple-beech-birch forests using the extensive US Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data base. Old-growth forests generally had AGBD of 220-260 Mg ha(-1) with up to 30% in trees with diameter > 70 cm. In contrast, maximum AGBD for the FIA units was about 175-185 Mg ha(-1) with 8%-10% in large trees. Most units, however, were below these maximum values, suggesting that the forests represented by the FIA inventory are in various stages of recovery from past disturbance. Biologically, therefore, they have the potential to accumulate significant quantities of additional biomass, if left unharvested, and thus storing atmospheric C into the future. Brown, Schroeder  et al. 1997. Forest  Ecol.  Manage. 96 (1-2): 37-47

 

Author Keywords
aboveground biomass density, biomass distribution, carbon cycle, disturbance, hardwood forests, large trees, old-growth, USA

Key Words Plus
Patterns

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consistent height growth and growth rate estimates for remeasured plots  

David Bruce   

Pacific NW Forest & Range  Expt. Stn., Portland,OR 97232,USA

Abstract

Consistent height-growth and growth-rate estimates were made far use in a managed stand growth simulator based on data from remeasured Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) plots in the Pacific Northwest. Techniques were developed for simultaneous fitting of height-growth and growth-rate curves, overcoming inconsistent estimates of age of 4.5-ft-tall trees, iterative estimating of Site producing polymorphic curves, introducing site factors and treatment effects, and overcoming minor problems encountered during the analysis. The equations produced agree well with those developed by King in 1966 for Douglas-fir in the same area, using different data and different procedures. This suggests the two equations are goad representations of regional height-growth relations. Bruce 1981. For. Sci.27:711:725.

Additional key words 

Douglas-fir, site index, growth analysis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Site Index Equations For Radiata Pine In New-Zealand.

Harold E. Burkhart

Virginia Polytech Inst & State Univ, Dept Forestry, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA

Tennant R.B.

Forest Res Inst, Mensurat Sect, Rotorua,New Zealand

Abstract

Site index (height of the dominant stand at some specified reference age) is a practical and commonly used method for quantifying site quality in pure even-aged stands. Permanent plot records from radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) stands were used to compute site index equations. The data were divided into groups that might exhibit different heigh-growth patterns, and separate coefficient estimates were computed for each group. Coefficients for the 8 groups finally selected are presented, and limitations in the application of the equations are discussed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spatial structure of coastal pelagic schools descriptors in the Mediterranean Sea


Tarub Bahri, Pierre Freon

 IRD, HEA, BP 5045, F-34032 Montpellier Cedex 1, France

 


Abstract
Biomass estimates during acoustic surveys rely mostly on fish accessibility which in turn depends on the spatial distribution and structure of schools. In this paper, we first investigate the spatial behavior of schools through some of their descriptors in order to assess the interest of a study on the influence of environmental factors on this behavior. Morphological, energetic and positioning descriptors of schools were measured in the Catalan and Adriatic Seas during four acoustic surveys. The spatial structure of the descriptors was studied using geostatistical methods. The variograms were calculated on the averaged school descriptors within a sampling distance of 1 nautical mile (elementary sampling distance unit). Globally, most of the variograms are structured, depending on the type of descriptor and on the cruise. The results are discussed according to the topography of the two studied regions, the temporal variability existing in the data, the dominant species in the area and the possible biases due to the acoustic device used. Bahri and  Freon 2000. Fish. Res. 48: 157-166.

Author Keywords
pelagic fish schools, schooling behaviour, spatial structure, variogram, acoustics

Keywords Plus
fish schools, anchovy, shape

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effects of thinning on structural development in 40- to 100-year-old Douglas-fir stands in western Oregon
John D. Bailey

No Arizona Univ, Sch Forestry, Flagstaff, AZ 86011 USA

John C. Tappeiner

Oregon State Univ, Dept Forest Sci, Corvallis, OR 97331 USA

 

 


Abstract
We studied the composition and structure of the understory in thinned and unthinned Douglas-fir/western hemlock stands on 32 sites in western Oregon. These stands had regenerated naturally after timber was harvested between 1880 and 1940; they were thinned between 1969 and 1984. Commercially thinned stands had 8-60% of their volume removed 10-24 years before the study. Undisturbed old-growth Douglas-fir stands were present for comparison on 20 of these paired sites. Conifer regeneration density and frequency were consistently greater in thinned than unthinned stands. For example, average seedling density in thinned stands (1433/ha) was significantly (p less than or equal to 0.001) greater than in unthinned stands (233/ha), but very similar to that in old-growth stands (1010/ha). Seedling density and frequency were strongly related to the volume removed and to stand density index (and other measures of overstory density) just after thinning. In thinned stands, the density of small trees (intermediate crown class overstory trees and advanced regeneration) was 159/ha, significantly (p less than or equal to 0.001) greater than in unthinned stands (90/ha), but not significantly different from that of old-growth (204/ha). The live crown ratio of these trees in thinned stands (66%) was greater than in unthinned (44%) and old-growth (48%) stands. Cover and stem density of shrubs was variable in all three stand types. There was significantly less tall shrub cover in unthinned stands than in either thinned or old-growth stands, which did not differ. Thinned stands had the most low shrub cover. Salal and bracken fern cover was greater in thinned stands than in the other stand types, but there was no difference in sword fern and Oregongrape cover. Leaf area index in thinned stands (6.6) was not significantly different from that in unthinned (6.8) and old-growth stands (7.1); however, there was more leaf area in shrubs in the thinned stands. Thinning young Douglas-fir stands will hasten the development of multistory stands by recruitment of conifer regeneration in the understory as well as by enabling the survival of small overstory trees and growth of advanced understory regeneration. Thinning will also help develop the shrub layer by increasing tall shrub stem density and cover of some low shrubs.  Bailey and Tappeiner For. Ecol. Manage. 108: 99-113.

Author Keywords
stand structure, old-growth, stand density, understory vegetation

Keywords Plus
picea-tsuga forests, old-growth forests, gaultheria-shallon, coast range, vine maple, vegetation, plantations, populations, salmonberry, seedlings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Understory vegetation in old and young Douglas-fir forests of western Oregon


John D. Bailey

USGS Biological Resources Division, Forest & Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA 

Cheryl Mayrsohn

USDI Bureau of Land Management, Eugene District Office, 2890 Chad Drive, Eugene, OR 97440, USA 

Paul S. Doescher

Department of Rangeland Resources, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA 

Elizabeth St Pierre

Department of Rangeland Resources, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA 

John C. Tappeiner

Department of Forest Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA 


Abstract
We studied understory composition in thinned and unthinned Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco)/western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) stands on 28 sites in western Oregon. These stands had regenerated naturally after timber harvest, 40-70 years before thinning. Commercial thinning had occurred 10-24 years previously, with 8-60% of the volume removed from below with the intent to homogenize spacing among trees. Undisturbed old-growth Douglas-fir stands were present for comparison on 18 of these sites. Total herbaceous cover was greater in thinned (25% cover) stands than in unthinned (13% cover) or old-growth (15% cover) stands. Species richness was also greater in thinned (137) than in unthinned (114) and old-growth (91) stands (P=0.05). Part of the increased richness was caused by the presence of exotic species in thinned stands, but there were also more native grass and nitrogen-fixing species in thinned stands than in unthinned or old-growth stands. Groups of species differed among stand-types. For example, the frequency of tall cordate-leaved species was greater in old-growth stands (P = 0.009), but their relative cover was different only between old-growth and unthinned stands (P = 0.08). Both the cover and frequency of grasses and sedges in thinned stands were greater than in unthinned or old-growth stands (P less than or equal to 0.002), Ordination of shrub cover showed differences among old-growth and unthinned stands compared to thinned stands, mainly because of the amount of Gaultheria shallon Pursh and Polystichum munitum (Kaulf.) Presl in heavily thinned stands. Ordination of herbaceous community data showed that there were much stronger differences among sites than among stand-types. The lack of difference among stand-types demonstrates the resiliency of herbaceous communities to disturbance associated with past and current forest management. Bailey,Mayrsohn  et al. 1998. For. Ecol. Manage. 112: 289-302.

Author Keywords
thinning, shrubs, herbaceous cover, exotic, old-growth, species richness, ordination

KeyWords Plus
salal gaultheria-shallon, species composition, biomass, succession, diversity, stands, cover, age

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

   

   

 

 

 

 

Quantifying diameter distributions with the Weibull function

 

Robert L. Bailey, T. R. Dell

Southern Forest Experiment Station, USDA Forest service, New Orleans, LA

 

Abstract

The Weibull probability density function is proposed as a diameter distribution model. Its advantages include flexibility in shape and simplicity of mathematical derivations. Estimation and interpretation of parameters are discussed and illustrated with published data.  Bailey and Dell 1973. For. Sci. 19: 97-101.

Additional Key words

Exponential distribution, maximum likelihood, percentiles, point individual distance, simulation.

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Site index equations for site-prepared loblolly pine plantations in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain of Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina

 

David E. Adams, Robert L. Bailey

School of Forest Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA, 30602

 

Abstract

Data from 269 plots were used to fit height and site index prediction equations for site-prepared loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations in the piedmont and upper coastal plain of Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. Height growth patterns were compared with those of non-pocosin lower coastal plain loblolly pine plantations. No Significant difference was found and a combined model was fit (490 plots total). A splined model is presented which constrains height to be zero at age zero. Adams and  Bailey 1989. Can. J. For. Res. 1-36.

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Site evaluation for commercially important southern hardwoods

 

James B. Baker

Forest Science Laboratory, Monticello, AR

W. M, Broadfoot

Southern Hardwoods Laboratory, Southern Forest Experiment Station, USDA Forest service , in cooperation with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station and the Southern Hardwood Forest Research Group, Stoneville, Miss.

Abstract

This paper provides a method of site evaluation for cottonwood, green ash, hackberry, sugarberry, pecan, sweetgum, sycamore, yellow-poplar, and cherrybark, Nuttall, shumard, swamp chestnut, water and willow oaks. The  method incorporates an evaluation of the physical, moisture, nutrient, and aeration properties of a soil into a site quality rating. Field tests have demonstrated the accuracy of the technique. The site evaluation technique also provides a basis for possible soil improvement treatments for the 14 hardwood species and estimates of potential productivity for cottonwood, sweetgum, and sycamore plantations. Baker and Broadfoot 1979. USDA For. Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. SO-26. 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

A quantitative technique for the identification of canopy stratification in tropical and temperate forests


Patrick J. Baker

College of Forest Resources, Box 352100, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA

 

Jeremy S. Wilson

USDA Forest Service, PNW Research Station, College of Forest Resources, Box 352100, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA

 

 

Abstract
Canopy stratification is one of the oldest concepts in tropical forest ecology. However, there has been considerable debate over the existence and identification of strata. Much of the confusion arises from the differing definitions of strata (i.e. vertical stratification of phytomass, individual crowns, or species) and the methods used to evaluate them (e.g. profile diagrams). In this paper, a quantitative technique for identifying stratification of individual tree crowns in the forest canopy is presented. Strata are identified by comparing sorted tree heights to a moving average of height at the base of the live crown. Height and crown measurements were obtained from 21 published profile diagrams of forests, representing many biogeographic regions and covering a wide variety of forest types. The technique provides an objective measure of canopy strata allowing for a valid comparison of stratification between the different profile diagrams. Neither the original author's estimates of strata nor the number of strata detected by the quantitative technique support the premise that tropical forests have more strata than temperate forests. With the sole exception of a mono-layered European Douglas-fir plantation, all forests in this study had two or three layers. Baker and Wilson 2000. For. Ecol. Manage. 127: 77-86.

Author Keywords
crown stratification, canopy layers, tree crowns, temperate forests, tropical forests, profile diagrams, algorithm

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flexibility in forest management: managing uncertainty in Douglas-fir forests of the Pacific Northwest


Patrick J. Baker

USDA Forest Service, PNW Research Station, 562 King's Highway, Hancock, NH 03449, USA

 

Jeremy S. Wilson

College of Forest Resources, Box 352100, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA



Abstract
Long planning horizons generate substantial uncertainty in forest management, making management flexibility, the ability to choose between multiple options or opportunities, a desirable attribute of managed forests. Flexibility in forest management reflects both the relative rigidity of intervention requirements and the potential range of development pathways for a stand. The wind stability of Pacific Northwest Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] France) plantations is used to demonstrate the concept of management flexibility Dense Douglazs-fir plantations develop high height to diameter ratios (H/D same units) in the dominant trees making them unstable and prone to wind damage. The management of these plantations is inflexible, because without early and timely thinning, the stands do not contain stable trees that could be expected to survive long rotations or late thinnings. A combination of reduced planting densities and site-specific management reduces both the necessity and rigidity of intervention requirements (e.g., thinning) and expands the number of potential developmental pathways for these stands. The cost of greater management flexibility is reduced efficiency of wood volume production: however, greater adaptability to changing markets, labor conditions, and management objectives may be more important for many forest owners. While this approach to management is complex, it frees owners and managers from rigid management requirements and allows for a wider range of future stand conditions. Baker and Wilson 2001. For. Ecol. Manage. 145: 219-227.

Author Keywords
management flexibility, Douglas-fir, wind stability, management objectives

KeyWords Plus
windthrow

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Linking growth and yield and process models to estimate impact of environmental changes on growth of loblolly pine


V. Clark Baldwin, Jr.

US Forest Serv, USDA, So Res Stn, 200 Weaver Blvd, Asheville, NC 28802 USA
Harold E. Burkhart, James A. Westfall

Virginia Polytech Inst & State Univ, Dept Forestry, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA

Kelly D. Peterson

US Forest Serv, USDA, So Res Stn, Pineville, LA 71360 USA

 

 

 


Abstract
PTAEDA2 is a distance-dependent, individual tree model that simulates the growth and yield of a plantation of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L,) on an annual basis. The MAESTRO model utilizes an array of trees in a stand to calculate and integrate the effects of biological and physical variables on the photosynthesis and respiration processes of a target tree on an hourly basis. PTAEDA2 sums the quantities for individual trees to obtain stand results; MAESTRO computes values for one tree at a time. These models were linked to provide a tool for further understanding stand, climatic, and edaphic effects on tree and forest productivity. PTAEDA2 predicts the characteristics of trees grown at a given stand density, on a given site, for a given length of time. These characteristics (outputs) are then used as direct inputs into MAESTRO which assesses the expected impact of environmental changes on tree function, The results from MAESTRO are fed back into PTAEDA2 to update future predictions by modifying the site index driver variable of the growth and yield model. An equation that predicts changes in site index as a function of net photosynthesis, age, and trees per unit area is the backbone of the dynamic linkage, The model changes required to link PTAEDA2 to MAESTRO were developed and reported earlier. This article reviews the earlier work and reports research results quantifying the relationships between net photosynthesis and the PTAEDA2 growth predictors, thus providing the basis for the MAESTRO to PTAEDA2 feedback process and integration of these two models. Baldwin, Jr., Burkhart et al. 2001. For. Sci. 47: 77-82.

Author Keywords
Pinus taeda, climate change, forests

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The effects of spacing and thinning on stand and tree characteristics of 38-year-old Loblolly Pine


V. Clark Baldwin, Jr.

US Forest Serv, USDA, So Res Stn, POB 2680, Asheville, NC 28802 USA

Kelly D. Peterson

US Forest Serv, USDA, So Res Stn, Asheville, NC 28802 USA

Alexander Clark III

US Forest Serv, USDA, So Res Stn, Pineville, LA 71360 USA
 Robert B. Ferguson

US Forest Serv, USDA, So Res Stn, Athens, GA 30602 USA
Mike R. Strub, David R. Bower

Weyerhaeuser Co, Hot Springs, AR 71802 USA


Abstract
The effects of early and continuous density control on the characteristics of mature loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) were measured at age 38 and analyzed. Trees in plots planted at spacings of 1.8x1.8, 2.4x2.4, 2.7x2.7, 3.0x3.0, and 3.7x3.7 m were either left unthinned or thinned every 5 years beginning at age 18, to residual basal areas of 27.5, 23.0, 18.4, and 13.8 m(2) ha(-1). Toes thinned from plot buffer zones at age 38 were selected to represent a final harvest cross-section of each treatment for evaluation of hole form, component biomass, and crown architecture. Volume and biomass of cut trees from all thinnings were included with the age 38 data fur stand level yield comparisons. Results show thinning effects were generally more pronounced than spacing effects. Trees of the same diameter at breast height and total height from heavily thinned stands had more cylindrical lower boles, more upper stem taper, longer crowns with more and larger branches, more total foliage, and hence more biomass than trees from unthinned or lightly thinned stands. All levels of thinning increased the yield of the stand in terms of foliage and branch biomass, while only light or moderate thinning increased bole biomass and volume yields. The magnitude of these differences are presented. Baldwin, Jr. , Peterson et al. 2000. For. Ecol. Manage. 137: 91-102.

Author Keywords
Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.), spacing, thinning, taper, volume, biomass, branches, foliage, crown architecture

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Modeling forest timber productivity in the South: Where are we today?

 

V. Clark Baldwin, Jr.

USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Pineville, LA 71360 

Quang V. Cao

School of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803,

 

Abstract

The current southern species growth and yield prediction capability, new techniques utilized, and modeling trends over the last 17 years, were examined. Changing forest management objectives that emphasize more non-timber resources may have contributed to the continuing general lack of emphasis in modeling the timber productivity of the South’s largest forest types-mixed pines and mixed pine-hardwood stands. Less than 10 percent of the literature during the period of this review pertained to growth and yield predictions of that resource. On the other hand, 45 percent of the literature centered on predicting the productivity of loblolly pine, almost all in plantations. Clearly the modeling emphasis has been, and continues to be, on the results of intensive management of the South’s commercially valuable species, although some notable work has been done for other species and other forest types. Several new procedures have been developed for projecting tree and stand growth using whole stand, diameter distribution, and individual tree modeling approaches. New distribution-free and stand table projection techniques have also been presented. Basic information on the available complete growth and yield prediction systems produced for southern species during this review period is presented and summarized. Baldwin, Jr. and Cao 1999. Paper presented at the tenth Biennial Souther Silvicultural Research Conference, Shreveport, LA, February 16-18,1999.

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loblolly Pine Growth and Yield Prediction for Managed West Gulf Plantations

 

V. C. Baldwin, Jr.

Southern Forest Experiment Station, USDA-Forest Service, 2500 Shreveport Highway, Pineville, LA 71360

D. P. Feduccia

Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Alexander State Forest, P.0. Box 298, Woodworth, LA 71485.

 

Summary

A growth and yield prediction system is presented for use in thinned or unthinned loblolly pine plantations in the west gulf region. The equations predict cubic- and board-foot volume, green-weight, and dry-weight yields per unit area of wood only or wood with bark of entire tree boles, boles to any top diameter limit, and branches. Green and dry weight of foliage can also be predicted. Total stand yields for weight or volume are partitioned into l-inch diameter classes to forecast stand and stock tables for all aboveground tree components for any stage of plantation development from ages 10 through 45. The data for this system of equations came from 859 measurements of thinned and unthinned long-term research study plots on cutover sites located in east Texas, Louisiana, and southern Mississippi. A computer program COMPUTEP-LOB (Comprehensive Outlook for Managed Pines Using simulated Treatment Experiments-Planted Loblolly Pine) that produces the yield tables can be obtained from the authors.  Baldwin, Jr. and Feduccia 1987. USDA For. Serv. Res. Pap. SO-236.

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aboveground Weight and Volume of Unthinned, Planted Longleaf Pine on West Gulf Forest Sites

V. Clark  Baldwin  

US Forest Serv., USDA, So Res. Stn., 200 Weaver Blvd, Asheville, NC 28802 USA

Joseph R. Saucier

USDA,Forest Serv., Forestry Sci., SE Forest Expt Stn, Carlton St, Athens, GA 30602

Abstract

Volume( cubic foot) and weight predictions (green and dry) are presented in  equations and tables for aboveground total tree and tree components of unthinned, planted longleaf pine trees. The 111 sample trees, from 10 stands in Louisiana and Texas, were 10 to 44 years old and ranged from 1 to 21 inches dbh. The data for samplings (dbh<5 inches) were analyzed separately from that of commercial sized trees (dbh>5 inches).  The linearized allometric model utilizes the variable D^2H(squared diameter at breast height multiplied by total tree height) the predict volumes and weights of tree component in two size classes.  Baldwin, Saucier 1983. Research Paper SO-191. New Orleans, LA: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Forest Experiment Station. 25 p. 1983  

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Validation of the unthinned loblolly pine plantation yield model USLY-COWG

 

V. C. Baldwin, Jr.

Southern Forest Experiment Station, USDA-Forest Service, 2500 Shreveport Highway, Pineville, LA 71360

D. P. Feduccia

Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Alexander State Forest, P.0. Box 298, Woodworth, LA 71485.

Abstract

Stand structure predictions from an unthinned loblolly pine plantation yield prediction system (USLYCOWG computer program) were compared with observations from 80 unthinned loblolly pine plots. Overall, the predicted estimates were reasonable when compared to observed values, but predictions based on input data at or near the system's limits may be in error by as much as 14 percent. Correlations between observed and predicted values for the variables selected ranged from 0.72 to 0.96. Baldwin, Jr. and Feduccia 1982. USDA For. Serv. Res. Pap. SO-283.

Key words

taeda, validation, volume prediction, unthinned plantation yields

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

 

Influence of stand density on log quality of lodgepole pine

 

Louis A. Ballard,  James N. Long

Department of Forest Resources, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-5215. U.S.A.

   

Abstract

We examined the relationship between stand density and stem quality characteristics for lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta). The influence of initial stand density on end of rotation log quality was inferred by analyzing data from unmanaged, rotation-age stands. Quality characteristics examined included first log branch diameters, taper, wood density, and the proportion of sapwood. After differences in diameter at breast height were accounted for, only branch size was strongly influenced by stand density. A strong negative exponential relationship was found between the mean of the five largest branches per first log and number of trees per hectare. Ballard and Long 1988. Can. J. For. Res. 18: 911-916.

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Use of pretreatment increment data in evaluating tree growth response to fertilization

 

T. M. Ballard, N. Majid

Department of Soil Science and Faculty of Forestry, University of Brithish Columbia. Vancouver. B.C. Canada V6T IW5

Abstract

The use of pretreatment increment can lead to improved estimates of individual and average tree growth response to fertilization, by helping to adjust for site as well as stand structure differences between fertilized and control areas. It has applications in research using either single-tree or plot fertilization,  and also in estimating responses to operational fertilization. Particularly useful equations are R =Af –(Bf)av(Au/Bu) and t = av(Af/Bf)-av(Au/Bu where R is an estimate of the absolute magnitude of individual tree growth response to fertilization: A and B are increment after and before fertilization. And f and u denote fertilized and unfertilized trees respectively; av signifies the average of several replicates; and t is an index of whether response has occurred. Equations were evaluated by examining branch length increment data from foliar spray application of iron and copper to Pinus contorta Dougl. (lodgepole pine) and of nitrogen and iron to Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco (Douglas-fir).   Ballard and Majid 1985. Can. J. For. Res. 15: 18-22.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Log and lumber grades as indicators of wood quality in 20- to 100- year-old Douglas-fir trees from thinned and unthinned stands  

R. James Barbour, Dean L. Parry

Forestry Sciences Laboratory, P.O. Box 3890, Portland, OR 97208.

Abstract

This report examines the differences in wood characteristics found in coastal Pacific Northwest Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga mensziesii (Mirb.) Franco) trees harvested at the age of 70 to 100 years old to wood characteristics of trees harvested at the age of 40 to 60 years. Comparisons of differences in domestic log grades suggest that the proportion of log volume in the higher grades (Special Mill and No. 2 Sawmill) increased with both stand age and tree size. Simulation of lumber grade yields based on log characteristics suggests that yields of higher grades of lumber increased until about age 60 to 70, and then leveled off over the rest of the age range examined in this analysis. We included structural lumber products in the analysis but not higher value appearance grade products, and some evidence suggests that yields of these products might have begun to increase in the oldest trees. The analysis also showed that the younger trees had larger branches and more juvenile wood, possibly because they had been grown in stands that received a higher level of early stand management than the older trees. If these young trees were grown to the ages of 70 to 100, they likely would not produce the same log and lumber grade yields found in the older trees we examined. Barbour and Parry 2001. USDA For. Serv. Res. Pap. PNW-GTR-510. 

 

Keywords

Wood quality, log grade, lumber grade, thinning, Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga mensziesii, ecosystem management, sustainable forestry.

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Simulated stand characteristics and wood product yields from Douglas-fir plantations managed for ecosystem objectives


R. James Barbour

Us Forest Serv, Pacific NW Res Stn, USDA, P.O.Box 3890,Portland,OR 97208

Stuart Johnston

Us Forest Serv, Siuslaw Natl Forest USDA, P.O. Box 67,Mapleton, Or 97453

John P. Hayes

Oregon State Univ, Dept Forest Sci, Coastal Oregon Product Enhancement Program, Corvallis, Or 97331
 Gabriel F. Tucker

Oregon State Univ, Dept Forest Sci, Cascade Ctr Ecosyst Management Corvallis,OR 97331

 

 


Abstract
Hundreds of thousands of hectares of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) plantations in coastal forests in the U.S. Pacific Northwest were established over the past 40 years. Density management regimes designed to increase structural and compositional diversity in these plantations are being tested and implemented on an operational scale, These regimes are designed to promote various tree and stand characteristics, such as trees with large limbs, stands with multi-layered canopies, and dense unthinned patches, Changes in management policy associated with these types of regimes raise questions about the potential to manage for both ecosystem values and timber production. We used state-of-the-art models to simulate stand growth and wood product yields under several silvicultural prescriptions. The results indicated that timing and intensity of early thinnings are critical in determining both stand structure and wood quality. We concluded that it should be possible to manage Douglas-fir plantations to provide a high degree of structural diversity and wood products with quality similar to that grown in many industrial plantations. Barbour, Johnston et al. 1997. For. Ecol. Manage. 91: 205-219.

Author Keywords
ecosystem management, wildlife, habitat, silviculture, wood properties, wood products, timber production

KeyWords Plus
western Oregon, forests, snags, birds

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessing bias from boles in calculating leaf area index in immature Douglas-fir with the LI-COR canopy analyzer


Barclay HJ, Trofymow JA, Leach RI

Pacific Forestry Centre, 506 West Burnside Road, Victoria, BC, Canada, V8Z 1M5



Abstract
Measurements of leaf area index (LAI) taken with photometers such as the LAI2000 are biased by boles and branches which stop part of the light from reaching the photometer. We estimated how much of the sky would be obscured by boles in an immature stand of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb) France) that was stem-mapped and of known diameter, height and height-to-live-crown. These yielded gap fractions which were then converted to bole area index (BAI) via the algorithm used by the LAI2000. The mean BAI, as a fraction of the effective leaf area index (LAIe) calculated by the LAI2000, ranged from <0.01 for Douglas-fir at 24 years of age to about 0.1 at 48 years. Comparing readings on Douglas-fir trees defoliated by root rot with readings on fully foliated trees yielded a proportion of 0.41, which included branches. Measurements were also taken on clumps of maple (Acer macrophyllum Pursh) and alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) both before and after leaf-fall, yielding corresponding proportions, including branches, of 0.41 and 0.25, respectively. The values obtained this way are probably upper limits. The contributions of boles may be appreciable, particularly in mature unthinnned stands with closed canopies. Barclay, Trofymow et al. 2000. Agri. For. Meteorology. 100: 255-260.

Author Keywords
leaf area index, LAI-2000, Douglas-fir

KeyWords Plus
stands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A soft optimization approach to forest land management planning

B. Bruce Bare

College o f Forest Resources and Center for Quantitative Science in Forestry, Fisheries, and Wildlife,

University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A.

Guillermo A. Mendoza

Department of Forestry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, U.S.A.

 

Abstract

Forest land management planning provides a rich environment for the use of optimization techniques that incorporate multiple criteria and operate within a soft optimization decision environment. Using de novo programming, several approaches for examining planning problems are described where the objective is not simply to optimize a given system, but to design an optimal system. Both single and multiple objective linear programming models are used to illustrate this new approach and several illustrative examples are discussed. Bare and Mendoza 1988. Can. J. For. Res. 18: 545-552.

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

Using a direct search algorithm to optimize species composition in uneven-aged forest stands

 

B. Bruce Bare, Daniel Opalach

College of Forest Resources and Center for Quantitative Science in Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA

Abstract

Describes an approach for determining the optimal sustainable equilibrium diameter distribution and species composition for uneven-aged forest stands. A direct search, derivative free, constrained nonlinear programming algorithm is applied to a deterministic version of the Stand Prognosis Model. The diameter distribution for each species is described by a two-parameter Weibull distribution and number of trees per acre.  The optimization problem is formulated in terms of these three decision variables per species. Results are presented for both board and cubic foot growth objective functions, and the species composition is allowed to consist of one to three species. Few of the optimal solutions produce balanced diameter distributions, although all are sustainable over the cutting cycle. Solutions involving a mixture of the three permissible species produce more volume growth than do either the one or two species alternatives. Bare and Opalach 1987. IUFRO For. Growth Modelling and Prediction Conference, Minneapolis MN, August 24-25 1987.

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Purdue's forest management game

 

B. Bruce Bare

College of Forest Resources and Center for Quantitative Science in Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA

 

Abstract

Systems analysis is very effective in determining the the overall effect of biological and financial decisions on a total forest management system. The pedagogic use of a competitive simulation model enable students to forest management to visualize the operational problems of the forest manager from the total systems point of view. Students were receptive to and enjoyed the game. Believed that the game provided them with experience in making decision within a management-oriented environment, and felt that the game environment provided an opportunity to visualize interrelations between the biological and financial components of a forest management system. Bare 1970. J. For. 68: 554-557.

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

   

 

 

 

 

Growth of Ponderosa Pine poles thinned to different stocking levels in Central Oregon

James W. Barrett

USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Portland, OR

 

Abstract

This paper resents 15-year results of one installation of a west-wide study of growing-stock levels in even-aged ponderosa pine. Growth was related to growing-stock level in a 65-year-old pole stand on an above average site, Periodic growth is presented for 10 years after the initial thinning and for 5 years after a second thinning to six assigned growing-stock levels. Annual growth in diameter during the 5 years after initial thinning ranged from an average of about 0.28 inch at the lowest growing-stock level to 0.10 at the highest. These rates increased slightly during the following decade, but differences between growing-stock levels remained about the same. These growth relations resulted in much larger trees at the lower growing-stock levels 15years after the initial thinning. Barrett 1983. USDA For. Serv. Res. Pap. PNW-311.

 

Keywords

Growing stock, increment/yield, thinning effects, even-aged stands, improvement cutting, stand density, ponderosa pine, pinus ponderosa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Height growth and site index curves for managed, even-aged stands of Ponderosa Pine in the Pacific Northwest

 

James W. Barrett

USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Portland, OR

 

Abstract

This paper presents height growth and site index curves and equations for even-aged, managed stands of ponderosa pine east of the Cascade Range in Oregon and Washington where height growth has not been suppressed by high density or related factors. Barrett 1978. USDA For. Serv. Res. Pap. PNW-232. 14p.

 

Keywords

Increment (height), site index) stand height/age, measurement systems, stem analysis, ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa, Oregon (Eastern), Washington (Eastern).

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

   

 

 

A growth model for mixed forest stands


Bartelink HH

Univ. Wageningen & Res. Ctr., Sect Forestry, Dept. Environm. Sci., POB 342, NL-6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands

 

Abstract
The area of mixed forest stands in western Europe has significantly increased during recent decades and is still increasing today. Tools are needed to support the forest management decision taking in these mixed forests. However, though pure stands have been modelled extensively and rather successfully for decades, relatively few models for mixed-species stands have been developed. In this study, a mechanistic tree-based model of mixed forest growth is presented and applied. The aims of the study were (1) to present the modelling concept, (2) to compare growth and yield of mixed stands and monospecies stands, and (3) to demonstrate potential model application by simulating effects of management on mixed Douglas-fir/beech stands. The effects of stand composition and management on mixed stand productivity were investigated by simulating a replacement series. Simulation results showed that in general the yield of the mixture was somewhere in between the yield levels of the two monocultures. In stands with a low proportion of basal area of Douglas-fir, the productivity of Douglas-fir was lower than could be expected from its basal area share in the mixture; in stands with more than 40% of Douglas-fir, the opposite was the case. The productivity of beech in stands with few Douglas-fir was generally higher than expected from its proportion of basal area in the mixture, but much lower in mixtures with a higher Douglas-fir proportion. Thinning had a strong impact on productivity of the mixed stands. Yield of the mixtures was not linearly related to the basal area fraction of Douglas-fir present at the start of the simulations; simply combining monospecific yield tables will thus result in biased estimates of the yield of a mixed stand. Bartelink 2000. For. Ecol. Manage. 134: 29-43.

Author Keywords
beech, competition, Douglas-fir, radiation, simulation, thinning

KeyWords Plus
douglas-fir stands, allometric relationships, root density, needle area, radiation, biomass, trees, beech

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Radiation interception by forest trees: a simulation study on effects of stand density and foliage clustering on absorption and transmission


Bartelink HH

Agr Univ Wageningen, Dept Environm Sci, Sect Forestry, POB 342, NL-6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands

 

Abstract
As part of a study on growth of mixed-species forest stands, a spatial model has been developed that simulates the absorption of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) by individual trees and the transmission through the forest canopy. Model  performance was tested by comparing simulated transmissions with field measurements. The model was applied to analyze the role of crown characteristics on radiation transmission and on absorption (APAR) by individual trees, and to analyze the effects of stand density and foliage clustering on transmission. Simulated transmission patterns appeared largely comparable with field measurements. Discrepancies between field measurements and model estimates could be attributed to interception by stems and (dead) branches: which were not part of the model. Analysis of absorption by trees showed that APAR was closely related to tree leaf area in closed canopy stands, but that in the open stand the relationship was less clear. This indicates that in open stands spatial information on tree position and crown dimensions will strongly affect absorption by individual trees. Uncertainties in leaf area estimates, due to variability in allometric relationships, had only small effects on APAR of the trees. Analysis of the role of stand density on the extinction-coefficient (K) showed that model estimates of K were clearly lower than values calculated with the Lambert-Beer theory: simulated K increased with increasing LAI, varying between 0.17 and 0.33 in case of Douglas fir and 0.30-0.63 for Beech. The degree of clustering decreased with LAI, amounting to a multiplier of 2.2-4.2 and 1.1-2.4 for Douglas fir and Beech, respectively. The model was considered a suitable tool in simulating growth and development of heterogeneous forests like mixed-species stands, because it enables to account for the growing conditions of individual trees in the forest canopy. Bartelik 1998. Ecol. Model. 105: 213-225.

 

Author Keywords
light, spatial model, extinction-coefficient, Douglas fir, Beech

Keywords Plus
leaf-area index, global radiation, light, model, canopies, array

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allometric relationships on biomass and needle area of Douglas-fir


Bartelink HH

Agr Univ Wageningen, Dept Environm Sci, Sect Forestry, POB 342, NL-6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands


Abstract
The aims of the study were: (1) to establish allometric relationships among stem and crown dimensions, biomass, and needle area; (2) to describe the above-ground dry matter distribution; (3) to determine the relationship between sapwood area and needle area; and (4) to describe the vertical distribution of tree needle area and branch biomass. Twenty-three trees out of four stands were sampled. Strong stand-independent correlations were found between stem and crown dimensions. Stem diameter at breast height (dbh) was non-linearly related to tree height, and linearly related to crown radius. Tree biomass generally increased with increasing dbh. The relationship between stem biomass and dbh was stand-independent, but the relationship between crown biomass and dbh clearly differed between the stands. Best results were obtained after two-sided logarithmic transformations. The ratio between needle biomass and branch biomass significantly decreased with increasing tree size. Dry matter distribution differed between trees from different crown classes. suppressed trees had relatively less crown biomass.

 

Specific needle area decreased with needle ageing and increased from tree top to crown base. SLA strongly varied within trees, but not between trees: needle biomass was strongly linearly related to needle area. Needle area was linearly correlated with sapwood cross-sectional area at breast height: ratio differences could be ascribed to differences in crown base height.

 

Vertical locations of the maximum needle area density (m(2) m(-)3) and branch biomass density (kg m(-3)) differed, reflecting the increase of the needle biomass/branch biomass ratio when moving upward in the crown. Location of the maximum density depended on canopy closure, but was generally below the middle of the crown. Bartelink 1996. For. Ecol. Manage. 86: 193-203.

 

Author Keywords
Douglas-fir, allometry, sapwood, dry matter distribution, needle area, pipe-model

KeyWords Plus
leaf-area, sapwood area, equations, stands, index, pine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

Resource allocation through goal programming

 

Kenneth E. Bottoms ,  E. T. Bartlett

Department of Range Science, Colorado state University, Fort Collins 80523

 

Abstract

One of the major weaknesses of using linear programming in natural resource management is that only a single criterion for determining the optimal strategy is allowed. A goal  programming model is presented that allows for multiple, conflicting goals. Results are provided for a management area in northern Colorado. The trade offs between goals are demonstrated by comparison of results from multiple runs in which the order of goal references is varied. Goal programming is shown to be a very flexible decision aiding tool which can handle any decision problem formulated by linear programming more efficiently. Bottoms and Bartlett 1975. J. Range. Manage. 28: 442-447.

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spatial variability of topsoil characteristics within one silty soil type- Effects on clay migration

 

Bartoli F, Burtin G

Univ Nancy 1,Cnrs,Upr 6831,Ctr Pedol Biol, Bp 5,F-54501 Vandoeuvre Nancy,France
 Royer JJ

Cnrs,Ctr Rech Petrog & Geochim,F-54501 Vandoeuvre Nancy, France
Gury M, Gomendy V, Philippy R

Univ Nancy 1,Cnrs,Upr 6831,Ctr Pedol Biol, Bp 5,F-54501 Vandoeuvre Nancy,France

Leviandier T, Gafrej R

Cemagref,Div Hydrol,F-92164 Antony, France

 

Abstract
In order to understand and to model soil runoff erosion as well as to optimize sampling schemes, improved understanding of spatial variability of clay and some other soil erosion parameters is needed. For this purpose, two complementary approaches to the study of spatial variability of silty topsoil characteristics, the pedological approach and the fractal approach applied to geostatistics, were carried out in the context of soil erosion within the intensive cereal agriculture zone of northwestern Europe. Fractal geometry provides one synthetic key to the description of classical geostatistical tools such as variograms. Spatial structures of soil properties of each of the three topsoil pedological units were mostly characterized along the slope by the ranges of the fractal one-dimensional space domains and their scale invariants: the fractal dimensions. Results suggest that, within each topsoil pedological unit, these scale invariants are relevant qualifiers of the intrinsic topsoil variability, which can be modelled as a fractal Brownian process and should be incorporated in simple recursive or complex network soil erosion models. Different surface fractal dimensions, in a one-dimensional space, have been found within these three topsoil units for each soil parameter studied (multifractals), All the data have been aggregated within the whole one-dimensional slope transect in order to obtain both possible general scale laws on clays and other soil characteristics and possible evidence concerning underlying soil erosion mechanisms by particle runoff.
Bartoli, Burtin 1995. Geoderma. 68: 279-300.

 

KeyWords Plus
fractal dimensions, aggregate stability, multiscale sources, water properties, erosion, runoff, fragmentation, infiltration, porosity, networks

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

Sulphate adsorption and acidification of Calluna heathland and Scots pine forest podzol soils in north-east Scotland

 

Deborah Barton, Shimna M. Gammack, Michael F. Billett, Malcolm S. Cresser

Department of Plant and Soil Science, University of Aberdeen, Old Aberdeen AB24 3UU Scotland, UK

 


Abstract
Three sites in north-east Scotland were selected to compare soil characteristics of acidification-sensitive sites under Calluna vulgaris heathland and afforestation. At each site, fences separate Calluna heathland from Scots pine plantation on podzol profiles evolved from granitic parent material on gentle slopes in the altitude range 200-500 m. In total, 30 soil pits were dug, with five for each land use-type at each of the three sites. Samples of each horizon were analysed for pH, sulphate adsorption/ desorption characteristics, cation exchange properties, carbon and nitrogen contents, bulk density and texture. As expected, acidification to depth had occurred in the forest sites. However, although the forest soils at depth showed less capacity for sulphate adsorption, as might be expected from increased atmospheric aerosol and pollutant trapping and greater water interception loss under trees, they did not contain more PO43--extractable sulphate. This may reflect the combined effects of soil pH differences and changes in concentrations and composition of soluble organic matter upon sulphate adsorption, although interpretation is also complicated by textural differences between forest and heathland soils. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. Barton, Gammack et al.  1999. For. Ecol. Manage. 114: 151-164.
 

Keywords Plus:
dissolved organic-carbon, wind river mountains, sulfate adsorption, sulfur constituents, acid-rain, deposition, retention, iron, ph, sorption

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forest landscape management modeling using simulated annealing


Emin Z. Baskent

Karadeniz Tech Univ, Orman Fak Ogretim Uyesi, TR-61080 Trabzon, Turkey

Glen A. Jordan

Univ New Brunswick, Fac Forestry & Environm Management, Fredericton, NB E3B 6C2, Canada

 

 


Abstract
This paper presents a new landscape management model using a simulated annealing approach. The model is capable of achieving target landscape structure, in the form of composition and configuration objectives, in a near optimal fashion by spatially and temporally scheduling treatment interventions. Management objectives and constraints are identified in an objective function. Penalty cost functions for each objective establish common non-monetary units, and a mechanism for making trade-offs among different objectives. Management strategies, as well as alternative solutions as combinations of treatment scheduling of each stand, are formulated around treatment regimes, including varying intensities of planting, precommercial thinning, commercial thinning, two-stage harvesting and clear-cutting.

 

The model then examines alternative solutions using a heuristic process, and evaluates their effects on the objective over an entire planning horizon. The model was tested on a 20,000 ha (987 stands) hypothetical forest landscape with four replicates, differing in initial age class composition and spatial configuration. Management objectives included: (i) maximizing harvest volume, (ii) minimizing deviations in harvest flow, (iii) maintaining harvest block size between 40 and 100 ha, (iv) maintaining a one period adjacency delay, and (v) achieving an inverse-J distribution of harvest opening patches. Objective accomplishment, when compared to an aspatial optimal solution, varied from 72% for even flow harvest, to 99.9% for adjacency delay. These results generally reflect the objective priorities established for the test.

 

Results also suggested that the achievement of an inverse-J distribution of harvest opening patches depended not only upon the spatial harvest pattern, but initial forest conditions as well. In the case of the test forests, however, the effects of different initial age class structure and spatial configuration lasted a relatively short time. We conclude that simulated annealing allows a great deal of flexibility in designing landscape management in a near optimal fashion. Baskent and Jordan 2002. For. Ecol. Manage. 165: 29-45.

 

 

Author Keywords
landscape management, modeling, simulated annealing, harvest scheduling

KeyWords Plus
harvest scheduling problems, search procedure, optimization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

Designing forest landscape management


Emin Z. Baskent

Karadeniz Tech Univ, Orman Fak Ogretim Uyesi, TR-61080 Trabzon, Turkey

Glen A. Jordan

Univ New Brunswick, Fac Forestry & Environm Management, Fredericton, NB E3B 6C2, Canada

Nurullah AMM

Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, University of New Brunswick, PO box 44555, Fredericton, NB E3B 6C2,  Canada



Abstract
Contemporary forest management design is generating innovative ideas as it evolves towards the management of forest landscapes. These ideas embody different management paradigms, modelling approaches and software engineering techniques. We explore these three in detail and suggest an ecological landscape management (ELM) paradigm coupled with meta-heuristics modelling and object-oriented software engineering techniques as a suitable framework for designing management for forest landscapes. We hope the paper provides insight and stimulates discussion about various forest landscape management design approaches. Baskent, Jordan et al. 2000. For. Chron. 76: 739-742.

 

Author Keywords
forest landscape management, forest modelling, software engineering

KeyWords Plus
disturbance, future

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spatial Wood Supply Simulation Modeling


Emin Z. Baskent

Karadeniz Tech Univ, Orman Fak Ogretim Uyesi, TR-61080 Trabzon, Turkey

Glen A. Jordan

Univ New Brunswick, Fac Forestry & Environm Management, Fredericton, NB E3B 6C2, Canada


Abstract
Conventional wood supply simulation models have been found inadequate in both calculating true assessments of wood supply and in translating management strategies into on-the-ground management design. These models treat forests as aspatial entities and are unable to include economic and wildlife considerations in management design and calculation of wood supply. This paper presents and discusses the design and construction of a GIS-based (geographic information system) spatial wood supply model. The model uses geographic distribution of stand development types and stages and their change over time to control harvesting and calculate wood supply based on extraction economics ($/m3) and wildlife habitat values (opening size and green-up). The paper points out that: a spatial model is capable of producing harvest schedules and forest performance indicators that reflect geographic context as well as condition of stands; a GIS database is more important in spatial modelling than GIS technology; harvest blocks are the basic geographic element in spatial modelling; a spatial model provides a truer assessment of wood supply; and stand topology makes it relatively easy to integrate wildlife and timber management.  Baskent and Jordan 1991. For. Chron. 67: 610-621. 

Author Keywords
timber, wildlife, forest management, GIS, simulation model, wood supply

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A case-study in spatial wood supply analysis  

Emin Z. Baskent

Karadeniz Tech Univ, Orman Fak Ogretim Uyesi, TR-61080 Trabzon, Turkey

Glen A. Jordan

Univ New Brunswick, Fac Forestry & Environm Management, Fredericton, NB E3B 6C2, Canada

 

FORESTRY CHRONICLE

68 (4): 503-516 AUG 1992

 


Abstract
This paper shows the effects of extraction economics and wildlife habitat values on wood supply for a 9,640 stand forest in New Brunswick. Using a spatial wood supply model developed at the University of New Brunswick, the paper quantifies and explains wood supply effects of harvest blocking, road cost and harvest adjacency delay. Eight spatial strategies test harvest scheduling based on geographic forest structure (distribution of stand developmental types and stages). Given a forest of mostly regenerating and mature developmental stages, wood supply reductions vary from 4.9 % to 19.2 % when compared to a convention aspatial assessment. The paper presents and explains reductions for all eight spatial strategies; but concludes that all are explained by the impacts that harvest blocking, road cost, or harvest adjacency delay have, singly, or in combination, on either mortality losses or the rate at which harvesting recycles forest area. Baskent and Jordan 1992. For. Chron. 68: 503-516.

Author Keywords
forest management, forest dynamics, gis, wildlife, simulation, wood supply, harvest scheduling

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

A dynamic model of growth in defoliated fir stands

 

G. Baskerville, S. Kleinschmidt

Faculty of Forestry, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, N.B., Canada E3B 5A3 Canada

 

Abstract

Constructing a dynamic model of growth in fir stands (age 30-70 years). based on gross physiological structure of the stand made possible reasonable qualitative and quantitative forecasts of growth loss due to defoliation by insects in a wide variety of situations. Analysis of the model, in comparison with the natural world, indicates that the key to understanding growth loss in fir stands subjected to defoliation by spruce budworm lies in more explicit knowledge of the mechanisms of new foliage production. Baskerville and Kleinschidt 1981. Can. J. For. Res. 11: 206-214.

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use of logarithmic regression in the estimation of plant biomass

 

G.L. Baskerville

Canadian Forestry Service, P.O. Box 4000, Fredericton, New Brunswick.

 

Abstract

The Basic assumption of regression analysis are recalled with special reference to the use of a logarithmic transformation. The limitations imposed on inference-making by failure to comply with these assumptions are discussed and ways to avoid the limitations indicated. A systematic bias of the order of 10 to 20% which is inherent in most, if not all, prior uses of the logarithmic equation to estimate plant biomass is noted as is the correction for the bias. Baskerville 1972. Can. J. For. Res. 2: 49-53.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Relative stocking index - a proposed index of site quality
Berguson WE

Univ Minnesota, Dept Soil Sci,St Paul,Mn 55108

Grigal DF, Bates PC

Univ Minnesota, Dept Soil Sci,St Paul,Mn 55108 


Abstract
Site index is difficult to implement and interpret in multispecies, multiple-aged stands, and its relationship to site factors is obscure. Using data from the USDA forest inventory and analysis (FIA) for the Lake States, we developed log-log relationships between mean tree size and stand density for five cover types. Fits were good, with r2 from 0.96 to 0.98 and slopes from -0.948 to -0.995. We define an alternative index of site quality, the relative stocking index (RSI), as the ratio of a stand's measured density to that predicted using the log-log relationship for its cover type (the norm). We divided the range of RSI into three classes for each type (<0.9 of norm, >0.91 but <1.1 of norm, and >1.1 of norm). Based on analyses of the 1977 and 1990 FIA data from Minnesota, class assignments for individual stands remained constant over that 13-year period. Relationships between site factors and either RSI classes or analogous classes based on site index were examined in a subset of 169 stands. Temperature, precipitation, silt content of surface soil, and calculated annual water deficit all differed significantly among RSI classes, but not among site-index classes. The RSI is easy to apply, robust (resistant to change), and related to site factors. It merits additional examination as an index of site quality, especially in heterogenous stands. Berguson, Grigal 1994. Can. J. For. Res. 24: 1330-1336.

KeyWords Plus
white spruce plantations, mixed-species stands, nitrogen mineralization, alternative approach, productivity, soil, density, states, biomass, carbon

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Modeling the spatial structure of topical forests


Joao L.F. Batista

Univ Sao Paulo, Luiz de Queiroz Coll Agr, Dept Forest Sci, CxP 9, BR-13400970 Piracicaba, SP, Brazil

Douglas A. Maguire

Oregon State Univ, Coll Forestry, Dept Forest Resources, Corvallis, OR 97331 USA

 

 


Abstract
The spatial structure of tropical forest stands under different management conditions was modeled as a series of different spatial point processes. Spatial patterns were first assessed by K-function analyses to help choose a point process appropriate for observed patterns. The homogenous Neyman-Scott process accurately described live tree distribution in clear cut areas, when tree patterns tended to be aggregated. Parameters were estimated by minimizing Diggle's modified least squares criterion, and goodness-of-fit was assessed by comparison to confidence envelopes constructed by Monte Carlo simulation. Parameter estimates can be interpreted to help understand the ecological processes influencing re-colonization of disturbed areas. The inhomogeneous Poisson process was investigated for simulating the spatial pattern of ingrowth trees in lower canopy strata. The intensity function of this process was inversely proportional to variables representing canopy density. As assessed by Monte Carlo generation of confidence envelopes, the inhomogeneous Poisson process successfully portrayed the influence of canopy structure on understory plant distribution in most stands. Tree mortality was modeled as a thinning process in which the probability of individual tree mortality was conditional on subject tree attributes and competitive environment. The thinning function took the form of a generalized linear model with a binomial error distribution and legit link function. In most stands, tree neighborhood variables were powerful predictors of mortality, but they were not important predictors in all plots. This suggests that the surrounding forest structure of a subject tree has considerable influence on its morality, but competition is not the sole cause of tree morality in tropical forests. Batista and Maguire 1998.  For. Ecol. Manage. 110: 293-314.

 

Author Keywords
forest management, spatial pattern modeling, K-function, point process model, Neyman-Scott process, inhomogeneous Poisson process

KeyWords Plus
tropical forests, tree dispersion, pattern, recruitment, vegetation, diversity, dynamics, ecology, pine

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hybrid growth model to predict height and volume growth in young Eucalyptus globulus plantations 


Battaglia M, Sands PJ

Cooperat Res Ctr Sustainable Prod Forestry, GPO Box 252-12, Hobart, Tas 7001, Australia
 Candy SG

Forestry Tasmania, GPO Box 207B, Hobart 7001, Australia

 


Abstract
A process-base site productivity model (PROMOD) was hybridized with an empirical growth projection model (NITGRO) developed for Eucalyptus nitens plantations. The subsequent hybrid growth model was used to predict the time course of height and volume growth in 16 plantations of E. globulus located in northern Tasmania, Australia. Growth in these plantations war constrained by temperature, water stress, waterlogging and poor site nutrition. With the help of a few simple, easily obtained site descriptors, PROMOD was used to predict the site index for these sites. This site index was used to run NITGRO, Comparison of predictions with observed height and volume growth indicated that height growth was predicted accurately, but that estimates of volume growth were biased. The bias in the estimates of volume growth may be the result of the application of a growth model developed for E. nitens plantations to E. globulus plantations. Battaglia, Sands et al. 1999. For. Ecol. Manage. 120: 193-201.

 

KeyWords Plus
carbon balance model, pinus-radiata, site index, Douglas-fir, nitrogen, yield, productivity, variables, moisture, curves

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spatial structure of light and dipterocarp seedling growth in a tropical secondary forest


Dan  Bebber, Nick  Brown

Univ Oxford, Dept Plant Sci, S Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3RB, England
 Martin  Speight

Univ Oxford, Dept Zool, Oxford OX1 3PS, England
 Pedro Moura-Costa, Yap Sau Wai

INFAPRO, Lahad Datu 91112, Sabah, Malaysia

 


Abstract
Variation in forest canopy openness influences the growth and survival of seedlings below, and is therefore of practical importance when wishing to restock a forest with valuable timber species after logging. In this study, growth and light environment of dipterocarp seedlings in an enrichment planting project in secondary lowland forest in Borneo were analysed using geostatistics, in order to determine the spatial relationships between canopy openness and seedling performance, Seedling growth was correlated with canopy openness measures up to 50 m away along planting lines but was uncorrelated across planting lines, because the dense understorey between planting lines blocked lateral light. It is recommended that planting be conducted in patches rather than along lines, so that understorey clearance can allow light from canopy gaps in all directions to reach seedlings. Bebber, Brown et al. 2002. For. Ecol. Manage. 157: 65-75.

 

Author Keywords
geostatistics, enrichment planting, dipterocarpaceae, seedling growth, spatial autocorrelation, canopy openness

Keywords Plus
lowland rain-forest, solar-radiation, canopies, gap, autocorrelation, understory, sabah, danum

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Field Methods and Data Processing Techniques Associated With Mapped Inventory Plots

 

William A. Bechtold, Stanley J. Zarnoch

USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, 200 Weaver Blvd., Asheville, NC, 28802.

Abstract

The U.S. Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) and Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) programs utilize a fixed-area mapped-plot design as the national standard for extensive forest inventories. The mapped-plot design is explained, as well as the rationale for its selection as the national standard. Ratio-of-means estimators am presented as a method to process data from mapped inventory plots. Bechtold and Zarnoch et al. 1999. USDA For. Serv. Proceedings. RMRS-P-12. 421-424.

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparisons of modeled height predictions to ocular height estimates  

W.A. Bechtold, S.J. Zarnoch, W.G. Burkman

USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Asheville, NC.

Abstract

Equations used by USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis projects to predict individual tree heights on the basis of species and dbh were improved by the addition of mean overstory height. However, ocular estimates of total height by field crews were more accurate than the statistically improved models, especially for hardwood species. Height predictions from the improved equations attained the desired measurement quality objective only 57% of the time, while ocular estimates achieved the desired accuracy 75% of the time. South. J. Appl. For. 22(4):216-221.

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Structure of pine stands in the Southeast

 

William A. Bechtold

Forest Inventory and Analysis Asheville, North Carolina

Gregory A. Ruark

Forest Soil Productivity in the Southeast Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

 

Abstract

Distributional and statistical information associated with stand age, site index, basal area per acre, number of stems per acre, and stand density index is reported for major pine cover types of the Southeastern United States. Means, standard deviations, and ranges of these variables are listed by State and physiographic region for loblolly, slash, longleaf, pond, shortleaf, and Virginia pine cover types. Graphic illustrations of multidimensional relationships among some of the variables are also provided. Bechtold and Ruark 1988. USDA For. Serv. Res. Pap. SE-274.

Key Words

Southern pine, timberland, pinus, stand structure, forest inventory

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Yellow-Poplar: Characteristics and Management

Donald E. Beck, Lino Della-Bianca

Southeastern Forest Experiment Station Asheville, North Carolina

Abstract

This reference tool and field guide for foresters and other landmanagers includes a synthesis of information on the characteristics of yellow-poplar with guidelines for managing the species. It is based on research conducted by many individuals in State and Federal forestry organizations and in universities throughout the Eastern United States.

 

This handbook describes distribution, uses, biological and environmental features, regeneration methods, stand management opportunities, and growth and yield estimates. Beck and Della-Bianca 1981. USDA For. Serv. (Agriculture Handbook No. 583). Agric. Handb. NO. 583. 92p.

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Growth and Development of Thinned Versus Unthinned Yellow-Poplar Sprout Clumps

 

Donald E. Beck

Southeastern Forest Experiment Station Asheville, North Carolina

 

Abstract

Southeastern Forest Experiment Station Asheville, North Carolina Yellow-poplar stump sprouts are capable of very rapid growth and often dominate stands on good sites following harvest cutting. Thinning to one stem per stump at 6 years of age did not affect either height or diameter growth over the succeeding 18 years. The untreated clumps thinned themselves to an average of two stems per clump during the same time period. Thinning to one stem had no apparent effect on butt rot potential from the parent stump, but did reduce the potential for rot from dying ancillary. Beck 1977. USDA For. Serv. Res. Pap. SE-173. 16p.

Key Words

height growth, diameter growth, butt rot, mortality, fungi, multiple stems, stumps

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Board-Foot and Diameter Growth of Yellow-Poplar After Thinning

 

Donald E. Beck, Lino Della-Bianca

Bent Creek Experimental Forest, USDA Forest Service Southeastern Forest Experiment Station, Asheville, North Carolina

 

Abstract

Board-foot growth and yield of thinned yellow-poplar stands (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) is related to age, site index, residual basal area, and residual quadratic mean stand diameter after thinning. Diameter growth of individual trees is increased considerably by thinning. Equations describing growth and yield are based on data from 141 natura1 yellow-poplar stands in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. Beck and Della-Bianca 1975. USDA For. Serv. Se. For. Exp. Stn., Asheville, NC. Res. Pap. SE-123. 20p.

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Growth and Yield of Thinned Yellow-Poplar

 

Donald E. Beck, Lino Della-Bianca

U. S. Department of Agriculture-Forest Service Southeastern Forest Experiment Station

Asheville, North Carolina

 

Abstract

Diameter distributions and yields for various combinations of site index, age, and density for unthinned and largely undisturbed stands of yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L. ) have been presented by McGee and Della-Bianca (1967) and Beck and Della-Bianca (1970). Their results were based on the initial measurements of a network of permanent sample plots throughout the southern Appalachians. In this paper we present equations for predicting basal-area growth and cubic-foot volume growth and yield in stands thinned to various levels of basal area. These results are based on measurements of the permanent plots taken 5 years after the initial thinnings. Beck and Della-Bianca 1972. USDA For. Serv. Res. Pap. SE-101. 24p.

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

Enhancing a Permanent Sample Plot System in Natural Forests

 

Trevor Beetson, Marks Nester

Queensland Forest Service, M.S. 483, Gympie QLD 4570, Australia

Jerry Vanclay

Faculty of Forestry, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Thorvaldsensvej 57, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark  

Abstract   

Decision support systems to assist successful forest management are based on growth models and other prediction techniques. These tools are in turn dependent upon data derived from permanent sample plots (PSPs). Thus the quality of information depends on the placement and management of these PSPs. While existing sample plots may have been adequate in the past, improved technology and new techniques have created new possibilities for which these data have proved suboptimal. Funds for the establishment of additional plots are generally limited, so supplementary sampling should be based on an optimal sampling strategy employing prior information. This case study in South-east Queensland used topoclimatic strata and existing inventory data to identify where additional PSPs should be established, so as to increase the geographical and silvicultural range of the growth data collected. Some existing PSPs in areas considered over-sampled may be abandoned.

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimation of total yield of Douglas-fir by means of incomplete growth series


Begin J

Univ Laval,Fac Foresterie & Geomat,Quebec City G1K 7P4, PQ, Canada
Schutz JP

Eth Zentrum,Ecole Polytech Fed Zurich,Ch-8092 Zurich,Switzerland

 


Abstract
This study establishes and validates a method that takes into account yield levels and permits the reconstruction and modelling of the evolution of total yield based on incomplete growth series. The calculation of total yield of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb) Franco var menziesii Franco) is carried out by integrating the equation of volume increment per metre dominant height growth. The model utilized explains 94.8% of the variation in volume increment per metre height growth of the 14 experimental plots. The evolution of total yield is calculated for 4 current increment levels. The concept of current increment levels is similar to the concept of yield levels, and corresponds to the value of volume increment per metre height growth, at a height of 30 m. At an equivalent yield level, the calculated total yield curves correspond closely to those calculated by Bergel (1985). Begin and Schutz 1994. Ann. Sci. For. 51: 345-355. 

Author Keywords
total yield, yield level, current increment level, volume increment, douglas fir

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volume and Weight Tables for Plantation - Grown Sycamore

Roger P. Belanger

USDA Forestry Sciences Laboratory Athens, Georgia

Abstract

American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis L.) is well suited for short-rotation management. It can be regenerated easily, has produced excellent early growth on good sites, and lends itself to mechanized harvesting. Steinbeck et al. concluded that spacings of 4 by 4 feet or more and rotation ages from 4 to 10 years hold considerable promise from the standpoints of production, utilization, and management. This paper presents cubic-foot volumes, green weights, and dry weights for the tree sizes expected under these conditions. Belanger 1973. USDA For. Serv. Res. Pap. SE-107. 11p.

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A description of STEMS-- the stand and tree evaluation and modeling system

 

David M. Belcher, Margaret R. Holdaway, Gary J. Brand

USDA Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station,1992 Folwell Avenue St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA

Abstract

This paper describes STEMS (Stand and Tree Evaluation and Modeling System), the current computerized Lake State tree growth projection system. It presents the program structure, discusses the growth and mortality components, the management subsystem, and the regeneration subsystem. Some preliminary results of model testing are presented and an application is discussed. Belcher, Holdaway et al. 1982. USDA For. Serv. North Cent. For. Exp. Sta. Res. Pap. NC-79. 19p.

 

Key words

simulation, Lake States species, mortality model, regeneration model, management guides, growth model, projection system, FORTRAN, validation

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Applying geostatistics to identification of spatial patterns of fecal contamination in a mussel farming area (havre de la vanlee, france)


Benoit Beliaeff

Ifremer, F-44037 Nantes 01,France

Marie-Laure Cochard

Ifremer, F-29280 Plouzane,France

 


Abstract
Microbiological quality of shellfish production areas along the French coast is assessed through quantification of fecal coliforms, commonly used as indicators of fecal pollution. Their concentration is measured in filter-feeding molluscs, presumed to integrate highly fluctuating quantities of these germs from the surrounding filtrated water. In the context of a bacteriological monitoring network, knowledge of contamination spatial structures may help for further optimal sampling designs. This study aims at applying geostatistical techniques to describe and characterize the spatial structure of the fecal contamination in mussels (Mytilus edulis) over a given production area (Havre de la Vanlee, France), located in macrotidal waters. In comparison with common interpolation methods, the kriging estimator, a basic tool in geostatistics, presents the major advantage of providing unbiased estimates with known and minimum variances. It thus appears to be the most powerful procedure to produce contour maps for the concentration estimates and their standard deviations. Differences in mean concentration between the two conducted surveys are compared with differences in concentration found in continental inputs. Although two surveys are not sufficient to assess accurately spatio-temporal variabilities, the use of kriging reveals high spatial heterogeneity, with different structures and meteorological conditions from one survey to the other. This leads to questioning the validity of a monitoring based on a few sampling stations over a large area sampled monthly to estimate a mean bacteriological level. Beliaeff, Cochard et al. 1995. Wat. Res. 29: 1541-1548. 

Author Keywords
bacteriological monitoring, fecal coliforms, mussel beds, systematic sampling, spatial structure, kriging, interpolation, mapping, sampling optimization

KeyWords Plus
ecosystem thau basin, bacterial

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

Mathematical programming in forestry

 

Enoch F. Bell

Economics of Forest Land Management Project, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, USDA Forest Service, Portland, Oregon Forest Economics Research, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Missoula, Montana

Abstract

Linear programming and its related techniques are increasingly being applied in forestry planning, programming, and budgeting. Caution must be exercised in application to assure that the assumptions accompanying use of the models are not extensively violated. Bell 1977. J. For. 74: 317-319.

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessment of regeneration stocking standards used in Alberta: a follow-up

 

I.E., Bella, J.P. DeFranceschi

Northern Forest Research Centre, Canadian Forestry Service Environment Canada, 5320-122 Street Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6H 3S5

Abstract

This is the second phase of a study conducted to update reforestation standards used in Alberta. The analysis was based on growth and size information of open-growing lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. Var. latifolia Engelm.)  and white spruce (Picea glauca(Moench) Voss) to estimate the minimum number of well-dispersed trees and stocking percentage required for complete site utilization at reference age of half rotation (40 years for lodgepole pine, 40or 50 years for white spruce). The minimum numbers of well-dispersed trees per hectare required were 575 pine (233.acre) in the Foothills, 610 spruce (247/acre) for sawlog stands in the Mixed wood, 720 spruce (291/acre) for sawlog stands in the Foothills, 900 spruce (364/acre) for pulpwood stands in the Mixed wood, and 1100 spruce (445/acre) for pulpwood stands in the foothills.

 

Seedling spatial pattern and density were examined in regeneration 10 years after logging, sampled over a wide geographical area in the important forest types of Alberta. Seedling pattern for both species was generally clumpy. Therefore, to ensure at least the minimum required number of well-dispersed seedings on an area, the use of suitably large quadrate (10 m2 or more) and high stocking is necessary. Relationships were developed to show, by stocking percentage classes, the relative frequencies of stocked quadrates with at least 1, 2, 3, etc. seedlings.

 

Appropriate minimum stocking percentages (by 10 m2 quadrates) derived were 65% for pine, 70 and 80 for spruce sawlog stands in the Mixed wood and the Foothills respectively, and 90% for spruce pulpwood stands. Because the two species have different stocking potentials, procedures are presented for adjusting survey results when regeneration is a mixture of pine and spruce.

 

Because of clumping and ingress, the many extra seedlings present on stocked areas constitute a good reserve of potential crop trees should some of the “first” seedlings die. However, because present knowledge is rather scanty on mortality between age 10 and half-rotation age, definitive results must await the availability of more and better information. Relatively open conditions at younger ages and generally more open stands on less productive sites implied by these standards may be advantageous for recreation and wildlife. Bella and  DeFranceschi 1978. NFC. Can. For. Serv. Inf. Rep. NOR-X-211. 27p.

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Western gall rust dynamics and impact in young lodgepole pine stands

in west-central Alberta

 

I. E. Bella, S. Navratil

 

Northern Forestry Centre, Canadian Forestry Service, 5320, 122 Street, Edmonton, Alta., Canada T6H 3S5

 

Abstract

A sample of 29 405 lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. var. latifolia Engelm.) trees was assessed from 1982 to 1985, and stem analysis data of 75 trees from five heavily infested second-growth stands in the foothills of the Rockies were analyzed to determine the incidence, development, and impact of western gall rust Endocronartium harknessii (J.P. Moore) Y. Hiratsuka, in relation to age of trees and stand and site factors. The incidence of western gall rust increased with stand age and time. In stands up to 12 years old, the incidence averaged about 5% and increased rapidly to about 20% at age 20. A rapid increase in incidence over time occurred in younger age-classes. In stands 20 years or older, the incidence of new infection was low. Mortality associated with western gall rust among crop trees was low. There was, however, 30% mortality in an unthinned 22-year-old stand over its life. Impact on growth was highly significant (P < 0.01). In the periods 11-15 years and 16-20 years after the wave of heavy infection, reductions in volume growth of infected crop trees were 15 and 25%, respectively. This loss amounts to 15% of the total volume over the 20-year period during which the stands are affected. Western gall rust incidence was higher (p< 0.01) in stands on east-facing slopes than on south- and north-facing slopes. Stands at elevations between 1200 and 1400 m had the highest incidence. Forest management strategies to reduce the impact of western gall rust are discussed, with emphasis on spacing that includes sanitary removal of infected trees. west-central Alberta. Can. J. For. Res. 18: 1437-1442. Bella and Navratil 1988. Can. J. For. Res. 18: 1437-1442.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Western gall rust and insect leader damage in relation to tree size in young lodgepole pine in Alberta

 

I. E. Bella

Northern Forest Research Centre, Canadian Forestry Service, 5320 122 Street, Edmonton, Alfa., Canada T6H 3S5

 

Abstract

In a sample of 121 young lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. var. larifolia Engelm.) stands in naturally regenerated cut blocks near Hinton, A h . , strong positive correlations were observed in the incidence of gall rust (Endocronartium harknessii (J. P. Moore) Y. Hiratsuka) and leader damage from terminal weevil (Pissodes terminalis Hopp.) and from pitch twig moth (Petrova spp.) with tree size in both thinned and unthinned stands. Although tests on a selected number of the largest trees from each plot showed no significant differences in incidence of the two pest categories between thinned and unthinned stands, thinning that retains the large trees may result in an Increase in relative incidence of these pests unless special effort is made to cut damaged trees and retain undamaged ones. Bella 1985. Can. J. For. Res. 15: 1008-1010.

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Growth of lodgepole pine after mechanical strip thinning in Alberta: 15-year results

 

I. E. Bella , J.P. De Franceschi  

Northern Forest Research Centre, Canadian Forestry Service Environment Canada, 5320-122 Street Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6H 3S5

Abstract

An operational thinning in a 25-year-old lodgepole pine (pinus contota Dougl. Var. latifolia Engelm) stand in Alberta resulted in nearly a 50% increase in diameter at breast height (dbh) and height increment in the last 5 years. Initial stands density had no effect on dbh increment beyond that of initial tree size. The release effect extended throughout the narrow (around 1.5 m) leave strips. Mortality continued to occur at about the same rate in both treated and untreated plots, thus reducing the need for follow-up selective thinning. Although the treated area had much lower stand volumes, it has a faster growth rate and may catch up or even surpass the untreated area in merchantable yield at harvest. Bella and Franceschi 1982. For. Chron. 58: 131-135.

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Assessment of regeneration stocking standards used in Alberta

Bella, I.E., J.P. DeFranceschi  

Northern Forest Research Centre, Canadian Forestry Service Environment Canada, 5320-122 Street Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6H 3S5

Abstract

The implication of the 40% stocking standard (by 1-milacre quadrates) that was adopted over a decade ago in Alberta was examined using data from the Foothills and Mixed wood on regeneration and expected growth, development, and yield of stands after logging. New minimum stocking standards were derived for the two most important commercial conifers, requiring at least 220 well-dispersed lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. var. latifolia Engelm.) trees per acre (560/ha), or 300 well-dispersed white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) per acre (750/ha).

Seedling spatial pattern for both species was generally clumped. To ensure the minimum required number of well-dispersed seedlings on an area, a larger quadrat should be used in place of the 1-milacre quadratic regeneration surveys. A 10-m2 (1 millihectare, approx. 2.5-milacre) quadrat is suitable for spruce and 12-m2 for pine. The corresponding minimum stocking percentages for the two species should be around 75% and 70%, respectively.

 

While these recommended minimum numbers of trees may seem low compared to the existing standard, they were derived t o ensure full stocking halfway through the rotation on medium or better sites, thus ensuring acceptable yield at harvest at a reasonable level of safety. Open stands on less productive sites may serve other important functions such as recreation and wildlife habitat.

 

Problems arising from the present use of stocked quadrat surveys are discussed and recommendations given for further study of the problem. Bella and Franceschi 1976. NFC. Can. For. Serv. Inf. Rep. NOR-X-167. 45p.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial thinning improves growth of jack pine

 

I. E. Bella , J. P. DeFranceschi

Northern Forest Research Centre, Canadian Forestry Service Department of the Environment, Edmonton, Alberta

Abstract

Jack pine (Pinus banksiana lamb.) stands on good sites showed improved tree and stand growth following commercial low and crown thinning at age 40. Data l5 years after thinning suggest that gross pulpwood and sawlog yields (thinning plus final yield) will be greater in treated stands.  Growth response to crown thinning occurred later than response to low thinning, but its effect was of longer duration. Therefore, on good sites, a combination of low and crown thinning which removes up to 30-35% of basal area at a stand age of about 40 years may be advantageous because it reduces thinning costs, improves yield, and lowers harvesting and processing costs because of increased tree size. Bella and Franceschi 1974.  Env. Can., For. Serv. North. For. Res. Cent. Inf. Rep. NOR-X-112. 26p.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

Growth of young lodgepole pine after mechanical strip thinning in Alberta

I. E. Bella  

Northern Forest Research Centre, Canadian Forestry Service Department of the Environment, Edmonton, Alberta

Abstract

In 25-year-old lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. Var. latifolia Engelm.) stands in the foothills, strip thinning stimulated diameter increment, both at breast height and at ground level, of all trees in the dense portions of the stand within five years after treatment. Greatest absolute response in increment was among the larger trees while the small trees showed greater relative response. No significant thinning-response in increment could be established among trees growing under relatively open stand conditions. Because this species seems to respond well to release in dense stands even at age 25, the scheduling of treatment is quite flexible. There was relatively small amounts of drum chopper damage to trees on strip borders and there is no evidence of increase in insect and disease activity. Slash from thinning is decomposing rapidly to the ‘cut’ stripe. Black spruce advanced growth that escaped the chopper blades shows vigorous growth here and will likely form a second story in these stands. Bella 1972. Environ. Can. For. Serv. North. For. Res. Cent. Nor-x-23: 16p.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A new competition model for individual trees

I. E. Bella  

Northern Forest Research Centre, Canadian Forestry Service Department of the Environment, Edmonton, Alberta

Abstract

The model represents mathematically competitive interaction between individual trees. It consists of two basic components: (1) the influence zone of each tree ( which is a function of its size) and (2) the amount and nature of interaction ( which depends on the distance between and relative size of the competing tree and its competitors and also on a power of relative tree size) . Optimum model parameters were obtained by iterative procedures on a computer, combined with regression analyses for pure, even-aged, fully stocked stands of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco), jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.), red pine (P. resinosa Ait.), and aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) and for an even-aged stand of Eucalyptus spp. Growing at a range of stand densities. The model satisfactorily described competition effect for the five stands studied and accounted for a greater portion of variation in tree growth than some of the earlier competition indices. Bella 1971. For. Sci. 17: 364-372.

 

Additional key words

Tree growth, stand density

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Growth and Survival Modeling for Planted Conifers in the Great Lakes Region

Keith L. Belli

Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto. Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada

 

Alan R. Ek

Department of Forest Resources, College of Forestry, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108.

 

Abstract

In the steady advance of techniques to model forest systems. The development of models to represent the brief, but crucial, establishment phase of planted conifers has been largely ignored. A framework of prediction equations was developed for the growth and survival of red pine and white spruce during the first 5 years after planting. The model development process incorporated data synthesized from published reports of planting experiments in the Great Lakes region. Two compatible growth estimation functions were derived to accommodate observations of plantation averages in the form of either annual stem height increment or total cumulative stem height. A single function was hypothesized for total percent survival. The overall modeling effort is a “first step” in characterizing the regeneration system. Belli and Ek 1988. For. Sci. 34(2):458-473.

Additional key words

red pine, pinus resinosa. white spruce, picea gluaca. planting, stand establishment.