A model bridging distance-dependent and distance-independent tree models to simulate the growth of mixed forests

? It is widely believed that distance-independent tree models fail to take into account the complexity of mixed stands due to the fact that spatial structure often has a greater impact on growth and dynamics in mixed stands than in pure stands. On the other hand, distance-dependent tree models are difficult to use because they require a map of the stand, which is not only very costly but also impracticable in a routine management context.

? This paper reports the development of a model bridging distance-dependent and distanceindependent tree models, and that is designed to simulate the growth of a mixed forest. The model used distributions of the number of neighbours to reconstruct tree neighbourhoods and compute the competition indices needed as inputs to the growth model.

? Data were collected from a mixed forest of sessile oak and Scots pine in central France. The study showed that local competition indices explained a significant proportion of growth variability and that intraspecific competition was greater than interspecific competition. The model based on neighbourhood distributions gave consistent predictions compared to a distance-dependent model.

? This type of model could be used instead of distance-dependent models in management contexts.

     

Models for predicting height and diameter of individual trees in young Picea abies (L) karst. stands

Models for predicting height and diameter of individual trees in young Picea abies (L.) Karst. stands were developed. Data collected in a large survey of young forest stands in Sweden (the HUGIN young stand survey) were used in the construction of the models. Models were developed both with and without competition indices included. When constructing the competition indices trees within three metres from the subject tree were regarded as competitors. Functions with competition indices included (distance dependent) will be useful in analyses of the development of stands with different stand structure, whereas functions without competition indices (distance independent) will be useful in systems for long‐term forecasts of yield.     

Evaluating tree competition indices as predictors of basal area increment in western Montana forests

Fire hazard reduction treatments are commonly applied to mixed-species coniferous forests in western Montana, USA, to modify fuels structures and alter the competitive environments of individual trees. An improved understanding of how competition can be measured and how it conditions individual tree growth is needed for projecting the development of these forests, with and without treatment. Numerous studies have evaluated how competition affects tree growth and many indices have been developed to quantify the competition an individual tree experiences. These studies suggest that no single competition index or a single class of indices is universally superior; indices perform differently according to forest type and forest conditions. We chose several widely used distance-independent and distance-dependent competition indices, and also derived anisotropic distance-dependent indices from estimates of light interception by tree crowns. We evaluated the effectiveness of these competition measures for predicting basal area increment (BAI) of Pinus ponderosa, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Larix occidentalis in western Montana. The best distance-dependent competition indices explained a larger proportion of growth variation than the best distance-independent indices (64% vs. 56%). This result indicates that competition is an important growth determinant in these forests and that competition varies locally, with variable tree densities and relatively complex stand structures creating heterogeneous neighborhood conditions. Competition indices derived from light interception models were only weakly correlated with other indices and performed poorly in terms of predicting tree growth. This result accords with previous observations that competition for light is not the primarily growth limitation for trees in the semi-arid conditions of western Montana. More sophisticated light availability models could be used to better assess variability in light interception and its marginal contribution to predictive accuracy of radial tree growth. Diameter and distance-dependent BAI models were developed for growth prediction at the species level and for all species combined.     

The effect of competition on individual tree basal area growth in mature stands of Pinus cooperi Blanco in Durango (Mexico)

In this paper, we evaluated how well-selected distance-dependent and distance-independent competition indices explain individual tree basal area growth of trees, growing in mature and even-aged stands of Pinus cooperi Blanco. A total of 18 competition measures were analyzed of which six do not need tree location (distance-independent) and 12 that utilize tree location (distance-dependent). The competition situation of a stand and/or an individual tree was studied using 11 different competitor selection methods. The mean square error reduction relative to no-competition was used to judge the performance of each competition index. It was found that the best distance-independent competition indices performed as well as the best distance-dependent competition indices. It was concluded that the BALMOD-index would be a good competition index to be incorporated into further individual tree basal area growth models for the study area.

Relationship between presence of basidiomes,above‐ground symptoms and root infection by Collybia fusipes in oaks

Collybia fusipes is a common cause of root rot on oak in the north of France. Collybia fusipes basidiomes can be as frequent on oaks in stands where no decline of the trees occurs compared with stands where the decline is chronic. This might be explained by differences in the amount of roots damaged by the parasite. To test that hypothesis, 430 oak trees, Quercus petraea, Quercus robur and Quercus rubra, located in six forests were selected. Half of them showed C. fusipes basidiomes at the trunk base. The association between presence of basidiomes and decline of affected trees depended on the forest. The level of infection of each tree by C. fusipes, as well as the crown appearance, the tree height : diameter at breast height ratio, age and sapwood width were determined. The presence of C. fusipes basidiomes was always associated with significant root infections. The crowns of the trees deteriorated with increasing level of root infection and the decline was severe only when the root damage was heavy. Although the decline of trees that were heavily damaged by C. fusipes was severe in some of the stands, in others, it was only mild, and so the differences in tree decline between the stands could not be attributed solely to differences in root infection severity. Trees damaged by C. fusipes seemed not to be subjected to more competition than their undamaged neighbour as reflected by a similar tree height: diameter at breast height ratio.     

Stand characteristics of mixed oriental beech (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fagus orientalis</Emphasis> Lipsky) stands in the stem exclusion phase,northern Iran

The structure of forest stands changes through developmental phases. This study is carried out in the unmanaged, oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) stands in the north of Iran. The aim of this research was to quantify structural characteristics of stands in the stem exclusion phase using common structural indices, which include mingling, tree–tree distance, stem diameter, and tree height differentiation. According to our measurements from three stands, naturally regenerated stands tend to be mixed in species composition have slightly heterogeneous diameter distributions and uniform tree height. The average distance between trees was 3.3 m. Stocking volume of the stands had an average of 540 m³ ha^?1 and 412 stem ha^?1. Dead wood volume was 24 m³ ha^?1, and as a standing volume, the most frequent species in dead wood pool was oriental beech (F. orientalis) (48 %). The common form of dead trees was snag (41 %). The mean value of mingling and tree-to-tree interval indices revealed that beech was mixed intensively with hornbeam and appears to be a more successful competitor for space and light compared with hornbeam; moreover, we found relatively high evidence of inter-species competition in this phase. A better understanding of stand characteristics in the stem exclusion phase as a critical part of the natural dynamics of forest ecosystems could facilitate predictions about the future changes within the stand.     

Influence of different forest conversion strategies on ground vegetation and tree regeneration in pine (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus sylvestris</Emphasis> L.) stands: a case study in NE Germany

The conversion of anthropogenic into more natural, self-regenerating forests is one of the major objectives of forestry throughout Europe. In this study, we present investigations on permanent plots with different silvicultural treatment in NE German pine stands. Management of old-growth pine stands on acidic and nutrient-poor sandy sites differs in fencing, thinning, and planting of certain tree species. The investigations were carried out on the community, population, and individual level of the pine forest ecosystems. Thus, vegetation changes, size and height of tree populations, and height increment of tree individuals were observed over a time span of 6 years. Special attention was paid to short-lived tree species such as, e.g., Frangula alnus and Sorbus aucuparia, as well as to Fagus sylvatica as one of the most typical forest tree species of Central Europe. Vegetation changes are interpreted as a consequence of natural regeneration of formerly degraded forest sites, involving an increase in nutrient availability. High browsing pressure can be considered as a key factor for the inhibition of tree seedlings and growth of saplings. Some Sorbus aucuparia individuals, however, succeeded in growing out of the browsing height also in unfenced stands. Few found specimens of Fagus sylvatica proved that this species is able to establish spontaneously on these relatively dry, acidic sites under continental climate influence. Such natural regeneration processes, also including spontaneous rejuvenation of trees, can be integrated into silviculture as passive forest conversion management. An active management like thinning of stands, planting of trees, and fencing can accelerate forest conversion with regard to height growth and species number of trees.     

海岸林风害危险率评价的理论推导

本文在对间伐和风害之间关系的讨论和以往有关研究结果的基础上,确定了一种林木风害危险率的估计方法,用于评价间伐对林木风害的影响。这种对单株黑松及整个黑松林分的风害危险率估计,是根据风速廓线、枝条分布和透光分层疏透度(OSP)系数推导出来的。结果表明:如果枝条分布模型中的参数β等于单株树冠中风速廓线模型的衰减系数αs,参数H/D1.33可用于比较和评价对单株树木的风害危险率。这一原理也同样适用于整个林分,即用林分内风速廓线衰减系数α和透光分层疏透度(OSP)的分布中的衰减系数ν,结合D1.33估计和比较林分风害危险率。文中对间伐与非间伐单株黑松风害危险率进行了估计,得出了间伐两年后可以降低单株黑松风害危险率的结论;同时给出了确定林分风害危险率估计的过程图。图3参45。     

Using landscape preference models and tree-scale measurements to predict stand quality

Scenic beauty estimation (SBE) models that quantify landscape aesthetics through picture-based questionnaires are complicated to develop. Therefore, precise, simple, and widely applicable models of SBE prediction based on tree and stand measurements must be developed. To investigate the application of tree- and stand-based SBE models to Chinese fir forest management, the relationships between diameter at breast height (DBH) and tree height (H) measurements and tree- (T_SBE) and stand (S_SBE)-based SBE predictions were assessed. T_SBE and S_SBE were strongly influenced by DBH and H measurements according to either a power function or linear function, depending on the variables. When the mean stand DBH was less than 8.4?cm or H was less than 9.8 m, dense canopies resulted in negative S_SBE residuals. In stands with large trees and non-dense canopies, the residuals of S_SBE were positive. We conclude that average H and DBH measurements within a stand can be used to predict S_SBE by extrapolating the tree-based SBE model to form a stand-based SBE model. Therefore, SBE models based on individual tree measurements can provide quantitative guidance for forest landscape quality planning and evaluation.     

Tests of age-independent competition indices for individual trees in natural hardwood stands

Recent studies have demonstrated that simple indices of competition that incorporate competitor size and inter-tree distances generally perform as well in predicting individual tree growth as more complex approaches of assessing spatial pattern. A major limitation of diameter-distance indices, however, is that their numerical values decrease in a given stand over time even when the stocking level remains constant. In this paper two modifications are proposed which make the index essentially independent of age, thus necessitating only one competition-growth regression for each species on a given site and allowing comparisons between different stands. Tests of several index designs in three evenaged temperate hardwood stands indicated that the correlation between competition and growth is optimal over a wide range of competition radii and that the inclusion of inter-tree distances is of little value despite considerable small-scale variability in the stocking level around individual trees. Highest correlations were obtained when competitors were defined to be only those trees of equal or higher crown class than the subject tree. In these hardwood stands a comparison of the size of a subject tree to that of the competitors was necessary for reasonable correlations with growth. These correlations varied greatly among species even within a single stand and appear to be related to the shade tolerance of the species. For general use the index (ΣD_j)/D_i is recommended, where D_j is the diameter of competitor j and D_i is the diameter of subject tree i. This index can be computed rapidly in the field and does not require mapping of stem positions.     

Estimating risks for spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus (L.)) damage using pheromone‐baited traps and trees

The risk for damage associated with spruce bark beetle attacks on living trees was estimated in 12 forest districts in the Nordic countries during three years. Pheromone‐baited traps and trees were used. Five groups of three traps were deployed annually on fresh spruce clear‐fellings in each district. The mean catches within districts and years ranged from 950 to 46000 beetles per trap group. The standard error averaged 15 % of the mean catch. One tree was baited annually at each of five other sites in each district. The mean number of trees colonized by Ips typographus in each district and year ranged from 0 to 5 per site. The standard error was high, averaging 44% of the mean. Inventories of tree mortality within the districts yielded values ranging from 0 to 150 killed trees per km of spruce forest edge. There was a strong linear correlation between mean catches in traps and log‐transformed tree mortality (r=0.82). The correlation between colonization success at tree‐baiting sites and tree mortality was weaker (r=0.59), owing to one deviant observation. The results indicate that pheromone traps and baited trees may be used to assess the risk for damage caused by Ips typographus.     

Evaluation of competition and light estimation indices for predicting diameter growth in mature boreal mixed forests

A series of conventional distance-independent and distance-dependent competition indices, a highly flexible distance-dependent crowding index, and two light resource estimation indices were compared to predict individual tree diameter growth of five species of mature trees from natural-origin boreal mixed forests. The crowding index was the superior index for most species and ecosites. However, distance-independent indices, such as basal area of competing trees, were also effective. Distance-dependent light estimation indices, which estimate the fraction of seasonal photosynthetically-active radiation available to each tree, ranked intermediate to low. Determining separate competition indices for each competitor species accounted for more variation than ignoring species or classifying by ecological groups. Species’ competitive ability ranked (most competitive to least): paper birch ≈ white spruce ≈> trembling aspen > lodgepole pine > balsam poplar. Stratification by ecosite further improved model performance. However, the overall impact of competition on mature trees in these forests appears to be small.     

The effects of understory vegetation on P availability in Pinus radiata forest stands: A review

In many second-rotation Pinus radiata forest planta-tions, there has been a steady trend towards wider tree spacing and an increased rate of application of P fertiliser. Under these regimes, the potential for understory growth is expected to in-crease through increased light and greater nutrient resources. Therefore, understory vegetation could become a more signifi-cant component of P cycling in P. radiata forests than under closely-spaced stands. Studies have shown that growth rates and survival of trees is reduced in the presence of understory vegeta-tion due to the competition of understory vegetation with trees. Other studies have suggested that understory vegetation might have beneficial effects on nutrient cycling and conservation within forest stands. This review discusses the significance of understory vegetation in radiata pine forest stands, especially their role in enhancing or reducing P availability to forest trees.     

云南铁杉地理种源表型变异研究

采用以树冠光竞争高度为基础的林分垂直层数量化方法研究了云蒙山几种典型森林群落的垂直结构特征,并将不同群落的垂直层划分结果与树高系统聚类分析结果相比较,发现在森林群落垂直层划分过程中,树冠光竞争高度附近的树被误划的几率较高;截止系数a=0.4时,平均误划率最低,为10.10%.对几种森林群落结构指标相关性分析表明:森林群落垂直分层数与乔木高度多样性指数、树高变异系数及乔木物种多样性指数呈显著正相关;乔木高度多样性指数和树高变异系数与灌木层多样性指数呈极显著正相关,而与草本层多样性指数却均呈显著负相关.几种描述林分垂直结构的指标能很好地描述森林群落的垂直分层情况,同时森林群落的垂直结构对下层植物的物种组成具有重要影响.     

林木直径大小多样性量化测度指数的比较研究

[目的]为了客观恰当地量化表达林分水平上的林木直径大小多样性。[方法]采用6块定位样地数据,对比分析基于直径分布的Simpson(D_N)、Shannon(H_N)及单木断面积Gini系数(GC),基于直径大小分化度的Simpson(DT)、Shannon(HT)及其均值(T-)这6种林木直径大小多样性量化测度指数,筛选出符合逻辑排序且具有较好辨别能力的直径大小多样性量化测度指数。[结果]6块样地的林木直径大小多样性逻辑排序为吉林胡桃楸针阔混交林经营样地吉林胡桃楸针阔混交林对照样地甘肃锐齿栎阔叶混交林经营样地甘肃锐齿栎阔叶混交林对照样地北京油松落叶松人工混交林样地北京侧柏人工纯林;林木直径大小多样性为天然林高于人工林,更为成熟的吉林老龄林样地高于甘肃中龄林样地,经过至少5年结构化经营的样地高于对照样地,人工混交林样地高于人工纯林样地。基于直径分布的DN、HN和GC测度的6块样地林木直径大小多样性排序结果与逻辑排序不一致;基于直径大小分化度的D_T、H_T和珔T测度的各林分林木直径大小多样性排序与逻辑排序一致。[结论]基于直径分布的D_N、H_N和GC量化测度指数不能恰当地表达林木直径大小多样性。基于直径大小分化度的D_T、H_T和珔T量化测度指数能恰当表达林木直径大小多样性;相对D_T和H_T,珔T是一个连续型变量的测度指数,而且能从林分整体水平上量化林木间的大小分化程度,易于解释其生物学意义。因此,认为珔T是恰当表达及区分各林分林木直径大小多样性的最优量化测度指数。     

Prediction of individual tree growth in managed stands of mixed Picea abies (L) Karst,and Betula pendula Roth & Betula pubescens Ehrh.

The individual tree growth in stands of mixed Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and birch (Betula pendula Roth & Betula pubescens Ehrh.) is estimated using basal area and height growth functions for each species separately. The individual tree growth models are distant dependent and the number, size and proximity of neighbours are expressed as size‐ratio competition indices. The competition indices were calculated using a basal area factor gauge to define competitors. The tree growth functions are based on data from nine mixed stands of Norway spruce and birch. The recursive multivariate regression approach is used. The growth functions have standard deviation about the function/standard deviation about the mean (sf/sm) values between 31 and 61% and the evaluations made with root mean square error (rmse) give estimates which vary between 8 and 45 % of the observed mean value. These values are comparable with the precision reported in other studies. In the present investigation the distant dependent indices are important independent variables. It seems suitable to describe the change in growth conditions from retarded to released growth by means of size ratio competition indices. For birch, a positive effect on growth is obtained the more the total competition consists of Norway spruce. For Norway spruce a negative effect on growth is obtained the more the total competition consists of Norway spruce. The lower competitors have a positive effect on the growth of the spruce trees. The interpretation should be that it is better to have a small competitor than a larger one, not that small competitors as such have a positive effect on growth of Norway spruce.     

Integrating the risk of wind damage into forest planning

Wind is the major abiotic risk factor in Finnish forests. Therefore, tools that help managers to assess the risk of wind damage are required. This study developed simple regression models for predicting the critical wind speed needed to uproot Scots pine, Norway spruce and birch trees at the stand edges in Finnish conditions, using the characteristics of the retained forest both downwind and upwind stands as predictors. Using information on the prevailing wind conditions in the region, the critical wind speeds were converted into probabilities of wind damage, from which a mean risk index was calculated. The mean risk index was used as an objective variable in heuristic optimisation. The results of minimizing the mean risk index were compared to other objective variables such as minimal height differences between adjacent stands. The residuals of the regression models of critical wind speeds were small, especially in Scots pine and birch. Increasing tree height of the downwind stand or area of the upwind stand (gap size) decreased the critical wind speed regardless of tree species, whereas increases in the dbh/height ratio of the downwind stand increased the critical wind speed. The shelter effect of upwind stand height was stronger in Norway spruce than in other tree species, whereas the effect of tree height of the downwind stand was larger in Scots pine and birch. Minimization of the mean risk of wind damage within forest landscapes led to smooth and non-fragmented landscape structures in terms of tree height. Incorporating even-flow constraints into the planning model led to a slight increase in the mean risk of wind damage. Of the surrogate methods for risk assessment minimization of height differences between adjacent stands performed well but not equally well as minimization of the mean risk index.     

Management of windbreaks in the Sahel: the strategic implications of tree water use

At sites in the Sahel where windbreaks are used to control wind erosion, management strategies are required to minimise competition for water between trees and crops. Uptake of water by windbreak trees was therefore studied in experiments designed to compare water use among tree species, assess which variables exert most control over transpiration and determine the source of water transpired by windbreak trees. Transpiration and soil-water extraction by Acacia nilotica, Acacia holosericea and Azadirachta indica trees in windbreaks were measured at the ICRISAT Sahelian Centre, Niger. Coupling of windbreaks to the atmosphere was evaluated and a stable isotope technique was used to compare utilisation of groundwater by windbreaks and crops at two sites in Niger with different water table levels. Azadirachta indica used least water, probably as a result of lower stomatal conductances, since windbreaks exhibited good physiological control over transpiration. The potential for competition for water was most severe with Acacia nilotica and Acacia holosericea, as they extracted large quantities of water through lateral roots, and at the location where trees could not access groundwater. At such sites, the effects of competition on crop productivity should be minimised by planting tree species with low water requirements and by using pruning to limit tree transpiration.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Comparing an individual tree growth model for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus halepensis</Emphasis> Mill. in the Spanish region of Murcia with yield tables gained from the same area

To support forest management decisions on converting stands from even-aged to uneven-aged management, tree models are needed that can simulate both options. Therefore, an individual tree model for Pinus halepensis Mill. is compared with the respective yield table. The individual tree model is built from data of two Spanish forest inventories in this province and evaluated with published yield tables, which have been built from permanent observational plots. The individual tree model consists of a basal area increment model and a height increment model, both based on two measurements of about 4,000 trees from single species stands of Aleppo pine. The R2 values of 0.362 and 0.107 for the basal area increment model and the height increment model, respectively, are within the range of other published models of this type. Comparing the model with the yield tables for different site indices, we find that our model matches the yield table well. Only in higher ages where the database for the yield table was poor, our model indicates higher basal area growth rates than the yield table.