Generalized Algebraic Difference Site Index Model for Ponderosa Pine in British Columbia,Canada

Based upon 3 widely used base models, a total of 8 ADA/GADA site index models were derived.The data for these models in this study were obtained from 79 pith-split stem analysis plots and the estimation method was "indicator variable approach".We used both fit statistics and visual analysis to select the best-fit model,and attached more importance to the visual analysis.A comprehensive application analysis was also given to the selected model.The results showed:1) GADA outperformed ADA with respect to predictions.2) A GADA model derived from HossfeldⅣpresented the best prediction ability.It was suggested that the model be used to predict dominant height and to estimate site index for ponderosa pine stands ranging 30 -200 years in British Columbia,Canada.3) The best site index age was age of 100 years,based upon relative errors of predictions.     

加拿大哥伦比亚省美国黄松广义代数差分型地位指数模型

基于3种常用的理论生长模型,利用代数差分法和广义代数差分法推导8个差分型地位指数模型。模型拟合采用加拿大哥伦比亚省美国黄松林分79个临时样地的纵向剖面解析木数据和分类变量回归的参数估计方法,模型筛选采用统计指标和图形分析相结合的方法,并着重突出了图形分析的重要性;同时,本文对于最佳模型的应用也进行了较为全面的分析研究。结果表明:1)广义差分型地位指数模型具有更高的预测性能;2)基于Hossfeld IV生长模型的广义差分型地位指数模型表现出了最佳的性能,推荐采用该模型对加拿大哥伦比亚省30～200年的美国黄松林分进行树高生长预测和立地质量分类;3)依据预测的相对误差,确定100年为最佳指数年龄。     

A site index model for lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. var. latifolia) in northern Sweden

A model was developed for predicting site index (SI) values and top height growth of lodgepole pine in northern Sweden. Data on 169 experimental plots from 61 experiments were used for model construction. Six dynamic site equations derived using the generalized algebraic difference approach (GADA) were tested. All of the equations estimate height and SI values on the basis of a known height and total age, and are base-age invariant. Unbiased parameter estimates were obtained by non-linear modelling without accounting for autocorrelation of residuals. The special formulation of the Hossfeld model and the GADA-transformed logistic function produced the most reliable SI curves. The Hossfeld model is recommended as it did not produce extreme outlying estimates for young stands. The developed model is polymorphic with variable asymptotes and can predict SI and dominant height growth for lodgepole pine between 20 and 50 years old.     

Thirty Year History of Even-Aged Management

Abstract

Forests of Turkey were severely degraded and depleted as a result of mismanagement particularly during the application of uneven-aged management periods. With the beginning of a national call for planning, all forests except fir-dominated stands are planned for management under even-aged management methods. This paper explains and discusses the results of application of even-aged management on Calabrian pine forests and Eastern spruce forests in Turkey. As shown in 1973 with the first timber inventory, the implementation of even-aged management failed in the first planning period to create an optimal forest structure. It was observed, however, that even-aged management is beginning to accomplish an optimal forest structure in Calabrian pine forests with successful silvicultural treatments. In contrast, implementations of the even-aged management method on spruce forests was found unsuccessful so far. It is concluded that the method would be implementable in spruce-dominated forests and the other light-demanding commercial tree species as well if the silvicultural plans are prepared carefully based on site classification, and if the welfare system of the forest villagers in Eastern Black Sea region is improved.     

Carbon sequestration in Spanish Mediterranean forests under two management alternatives: a modeling approach

Management implications associated with two different silvicultural strategies in two Spanish pine forests (Scots pine stands in northern Spain and Mediterranean Maritime pine stands in Central Spain) were explored. Whole-stand yield, growth models and individual tree equations were used to estimate carbon stock in forests under different silvicultural alternatives and site indexes. Each alternative was evaluated on the basis of the land expectation value (LEV). Results reveal the appropriateness of implementing carbon payments, because it can clearly complement traditional management objectives in economic terms. Longer rotations on the poorest sites result in a positive economic return by introducing carbon output. The proportion of carbon stock in the final harvest relative to total fixed carbon is always higher in long rotation scenarios. However, short rotation systems produce the highest values of carbon MAI regardless of site index. The impact of carbon price is higher on the Maritime pine stands than on Scots pine stands. For both the species, changes in the discount rate have a minor impact on Carbon LEV. Notwithstanding, the proportion of total LEV due to carbon is greater when the discount rate increases.     

Site quality of pedunculate oak (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus robur</Emphasis> L.) stands in Galicia (northwest Spain)

Accurate estimates of forest productivity are required for sustainable forest management. Height of dominant and codominant trees at a reference age is often used as a measure of site productivity. Eight algebraic difference equations based on the models proposed by Sloboda, Bertalanffy-Richards, Korf, Hossfeld, and McDill-Amateis were tested on the transformed, longitudinal data structure that considers all possible growth intervals. Autocorrelation was modelled by expanding the error term as an autoregressive process according to this data structure. Generalized nonlinear least squares methods were used for model fitting. Several numerical and graphic analyses were used to compare the different candidate models. The relative error in dominant height prediction was used to select 60 years as the best reference age. An algebraic difference equation based on the model proposed by Korf provided the best compromise between biological and statistical aspects and produced the most adequate site index curves. This model is therefore recommended for height growth prediction and site classification of pedunculate oak stands in Galicia. The model is polymorphic and base-age invariant, having only one asymptote. Predictions of height for age intervals between t₁ and t₂ of more than 15 years should be considered with caution because of the associated critical error.     

Prediction of pine mistletoe infection using remote sensing imaging: A comparison of the artificial neural network model and logistic regression model

In this study, the prediction of pine mistletoe distribution in Scots pine ecosystems was explored using remote sensing variables to compare the multilayer perceptron (MLP) artificial neural network (ANN) and logistic regression (LR) model performances. For this purpose, 109 sample plots were distinguished in pure Scots pine forests (natural) in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey. Distinguishing mistletoe-infected stands (69) and uninfected stands (40) was performed with field observations. The variables acquired from Landsat 8 (Level 1) images were used as independent variables for independent-sample t-test, MLP ANN and LR models. Remote sensing variables indicated that mistletoe-infected stands were in drier areas with a lower vegetation-leaf area index. Based on the performance results of both models, the sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of the MLP ANN model were superior to those of the LR model. The prediction percentages (SEN, SPE, PPV and NPV) of mistletoe-infected stands were better than the prediction percentages of uninfected stands. The prediction accuracies of LR and MLP ANN models were 74.3% and 89.6%, respectively. However, all remote sensing variables were included in the prediction equation of the MLP ANN model, while the thermal infrared 1 (TIRS1) variable was included in the LR model. In the MLP ANN model, the TIRS1 variable also had the highest normalized importance (100%). The area under the curve (AUC) value for identifying the mistletoe-infected stands of Scots pine forests used by the MLP ANN model (0.892 ± 0.034) was higher than in the LR model (0.838 ± 0.039), explaining the more accurate predictions obtained from the MLP ANN model. The MLP ANN model showed much better performance than the LR model. The results of this study are expected to make important contributions to the identification of potential mistletoe-infected areas.     

Allometric equations for aboveground biomass estimation by size class for Pinus brutia Ten. trees growing in North and South Aegean Islands, Greece

Empirical allometric equations relating biomass of aboveground components to dendrometric variables for Pinus brutia Ten. trees are derived in this paper. They are based on data collected from Lesvos (North Aegean Sea) and Crete (South Aegean Sea) Islands. Comparisons to published equations for the same species growing in northwestern and southeastern Turkey, for Pinus nigra A. growing in Turkey and Pinus halepensis Mill. found in Western Aegean (island of Evia), are also presented. The biomass of branches from destructively sampled trees (twelve in Crete and six in Lesvos) was divided into four size classes (0?C0.63 cm, 0.64?C2.5 cm, 2.51?C7.61 cm, and 7.62?C22.8 cm). Tree crown biomass was calculated as the sum of the biomass in the four classes plus the fraction of stem above crown base. Over bark stem biomass was estimated through bole volume conversion based on wood density. The results showed clearly that, for a given diameter, the Cretan trees had more crown biomass and a higher share of small branches than trees on Lesvos, probably due to differences in environment and stand structure. Comparisons to published diameter versus crown biomass equations reveal a lower crown biomass for Turkish sites of Calabrian pine and Aleppo pine on Evia Island, while only Turkish Black pine seems to be comparable to the Calabrian pine on Crete. The derived allometries can be used for landscape fire behavior modeling, for ecophysiological studies and for the Kyoto protocol requirements of carbon changes in Pinus brutia Ten. forests located in northern and southern Greek sites.     

Modelling dominant height growth in plantations of Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco in Spain

A model for predicting dominant height growth and site index of Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco in Spain was constructed. Data from stem analysis of 117 site trees were used. Four dynamic equations using the algebraic difference approach (ADA) and its generalisation (GADA), which have provided good results in previous studies, were evaluated. The model parameters were estimated with the base?age?invariant method of dummy variables, which considers both global (common to all sites) and local parameters (specific to each site). A GADA equation based on the Bertalanffy–Richards base model yielded the best results. The model provides polymorphic curves with multiple asymptotes. A base age of 20 years is proposed to reference site index.     

Positive effect of forest structural diversity on aboveground stand carbon stocks for even-aged Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands in the Sarıçiçek Forest,Northern Turkey

This study examines the relationships between forest structural diversity indices and aboveground stand carbon storage for even-aged and pure Scots pine stands located in the Sar?çiçek Forest, Northern Turkey. In the even-aged Scots pine stands, 293 sample plots were selected to represent various stand conditions such as site quality, age, and stand density. The stand structural diversity, including Shannon’s, improved Shannon, Simpson’s, McIntosh, Margalef, and Berger–Parker indices, was used to correlate the stand carbon storage values. Positive partial correlation coefficients between stand carbon storage and forest structural diversity indices, including the improved Shannon index (r?=?0.770), Shannon’s index (r?=?0.742), Simpson’s index (r?=?0.703), the Berger–Parker index (r?=?0.657), the Gini index (r?=?0.390), and the Margalef index (r?=?0.327), were found at the 0.01 level. These results offer an enhancement of theories concerning positive relationships between stand carbon storage and stand structural diversity for pure and single-species forests. Moreover, regarding biodiversity suitability and stand carbon storage as carbon sinks, the results illustrate that forest stands with higher structural diversity may be preferred when used to mitigate global warming.     

Modeling top height growth of red alder plantations

Height growth equations for dominant trees are needed for growth and yield projections, to determine appropriate silvicultural regimes, and to estimate site index. Red alder [Alnus rubra Bong.] is a fast-growing hardwood species that is widely planted in the Pacific Northwest, USA. However, red alder dominant height growth equations used currently have been determined using stem analysis trees from natural stands rather than repeated measurements of stand-level top height from plantations, which may cause them to be biased. A regional dataset of red alder plantations was complied and used to construct a dynamic base-age invariant top height growth equation. Ten anamorphic and polymorphic Generalized Algebraic Difference Approach (GADA) forms were fit using the forward difference approach. The Chapman–Richards anamorphic and Schumacher anamorphic model forms were the only ones with statistically significant parameters that yielded biologically reasonable predictions across a full range of the available data. The Schumacher model form performed better on three independent datasets and, therefore, was selected as the final model. The resulting top height growth equations differed appreciably from tree-level dominant height growth equations developed using data from natural stands, particularly at the younger ages and on lower site indices. Both the rate and shape parameters of the Schumacher function were not influenced by initial planting density. However, this analysis indicates that the asymptote, which is related to site index, may be reduced for plantations with initial planting density below 500 trees ha⁻¹. The final equation can be used for predictions of top height (and thus) site index for red alder plantations across a range of different growing conditions.     

Estimating Pinus palustris tree diameter and stem volume from tree height,crown area and stand-level parameters

Accurate and efficient estimation of forest growth and live biomass is a critical element in assessing potential responses to forest management and environmental change. The objective of this study was to develop models to predict longleaf pine tree diameter at breast height （dbh） and merchantable stem volume （V） using data obtained from field measurements. We used longleaf pine tree data from 3,376 planted trees on 127 permanent plots located in the U.S. Gulf Coastal Plain region to fit equations to predict dbh and V as functions of tree height （H） and crown area （CA）. Prediction of dbh as a function of H improved when CA was added as an additional independent variable. Similarly, predic- tions of V based on H improved when CA was included. Incorporation of additional stand variables such as age, site index, dominant height, and stand density were also evaluated but resulted in only small improvements in model performance. For model testing we used data from planted and naturally-regenerated trees located inside and outside the geographic area used for model fitting. Our results suggest that the models are a robust alternative for dbh and V estimations when H and CA are known on planted stands with potential for naturally-regenerated stands, across a wide range of ages. We discuss the importance of these models for use with metrics derived from remote sensing data.     

Site Quality Evaluation for Mixed, Uneven-aged, Natural Forest Dominatedby Korean Pine in Northeast China

1ThisStudyisoneoftheprojectssuportedbyNaturalScienceFundationofHeilongjiangProvinceIntroductionSitoindexisaconvcnientstcptoxtardtl1eultin1ategoaiofpredictingtheproductioncapability'offorcstlwt;anditisausefuldircctmeasuresforapotentialexpetionparadigmintcn…     

GROWTH AND YIELD MODELS FOR DAHURIAN LARCH PLANTATIONS

Growth and yield models were developed for individual tress and stands based on336 temporary plots with 405 stem analysis trees of dahurian larch(Larix gmelinii(Rupr.)Rupr.)plantations throughout Daxing’anling mountains.Several equations were selected using nonlinearregression analysis.Results showed that the Richards equation was the best model for estimatingtree height,stand mean helght and stand dominant height from age; The Power equation was thebest model for prediction tree volume from DBH and tree height; The logarithmic stand volumeequation was good for predicting stand volume from age,mean height,basal area and other standvariables.These models can be used to construct the volume table, the site index table and other for-estry tables for dahurian larch plantations.     

Biomass storage in low timber productivity Mediterranean forests managed after natural post-fire regeneration in south-eastern Spain

Despite the low timber productivity of Mediterranean Pinus halepensis Mill. forests in south-eastern Spain, they are a valuable carbon sequestration source which could be extended if young stands and understories were considered. We monitored changes in biomass storage of young Aleppo pine stands naturally regenerated after wildfires, with a diachronic approach from 5 to 16 years old, including pine and understory strata, at two different quality sites (dry and semiarid climates). At each site, we set 21 permanent plots and carried out different thinning intensities at two ages, 5 and 10 years after fires. We found similar post-fire regeneration capacity at both sites in terms of total above-ground biomass storage ~6 Mg ha^?1 (3 Mg ha^?1 of the above-ground pine biomass plus 3 Mg ha^?1 of the above-ground understory biomass), but with a contrasting pine layer structure. Generally, across the diachronic study, the earlier thinning reduced biomass stocks at both sites, except for the best quality site (the dry site), where the earliest thinning (applied at post-fire year 5) enlarged carbon storage by 11 % as compared to non-thinned plots. We found root:shoot ratios of an average 0.37 for the pine layer and 0.45 for the understory layer. These results provided new information which not only furthers our understanding of carbon sequestration in low timber productivity Mediterranean forests, but will also help to develop new guidelines for sustainable management adapted to the high-risk terrestrial carbon losses of fire-prone areas.     

Modelling stand basal area growth for radiata pine plantations in Northwestern Spain using the GADA

A stand basal area growth system for radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) plantations in Galicia (Northwestern Spain) was developed from data corresponding to 247 plots measured between one and five times. Six dynamic equations were considered for analysis and both numerical and graphical methods were used to compare alternative models. The equation that best described the data was a dynamic equation derived from the Korf growth function by the generalized algebraic difference approach (GADA) and by considering two parameters as site-specific. This equation was fitted in one stage by the base-age-invariant dummy variables method. The system also incorporated an equation for predicting initial stand basal area, expressed as a function of stand age, site index, and the number of trees per hectare. This information can be used to establish the starting point for the projection equation when no inventory data are available. The effect of thinning on stand basal area growth was also analyzed and the results showed that the same projection equation can be used to obtain reliable predictions of unit-area basal area development in thinned and unthinned stands.     

Effects of the overstory on the diversity of the herb and shrub layers of Anatolian black pine forests

Understory plants are important components of forests because they are responsible for the majority of the vascular plant diversity of forest ecosystems. The richness and composition of understory communities are closely related to the tree layer diversity, structure and composition. The aim of this study was to examine the understory diversity of Anatolian black pine (Pinus nigra Arnold subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe)-dominated forests on the Kazda?? Mountains of West Turkey. To describe the overstory structure and composition in a numerically and quantitatively well-defined manner, cumulative abundance profiles (CAPs) of the tree species were used. The resemblance of the sampling plots was classified into five stand types assessing the CAP through the Fuzzy C-Means clustering method. A permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) was performed to test the variance of the community ecological distance between the five stand types, and the results showed significant differences in these clusters. Many shade-tolerant plants were associated with the mixed stands of Anatolian black pine–Kazda?? fir. The composition of the herb and shrub layer could not be explained by the environmental variables but by differences in the overstory structure of the stands. Pure or nearly pure Anatolian Black pine stands were more diverse than mixed oak–Anatolian black pine and Kazda?? fir–Anatolian black pine stands. However, although dense and young pure Anatolian black pine stands had the most diverse plant species in the shrub layer, they were ranked third in terms of the herb layer diversity. The Anatolian black pine–Kazda?? fir mixed stands had the lowest herb and shrub layer diversity. These results allow us to comprehend the relationship between the overstory structure and composition, and the understory diversity. Understanding this relationship is important for the conservation of understory plant diversity in the management of forest ecosystems.     

Growth models and site index table of natural Korean pine forests

IntroductionKoreanpine(PinuskOraiensisSieb.etZucc.)isoneofthemostimportanttimberspeciesanditisnaturaIIydistributedinHeilongjiang,JiIinandLiaon-ingprovincesinChina.ManyforestryresearchersmadeextensiveandprofoundstudiesonthisspeciesJiangYiyin(1985)studiedthegroWthandgrowthmodelsforpIantationsofKoreanpine.However,veryfewpaperswerefoundonthegroWthmodeIsofnaturalKoreanpineforest.Koreanpinehasa1onggroWthperiod.ForextensivelymanagingKoreanpineforest,itneedstheJorestrytabIeswithhighac-Curacy…     

Testing site index–site-factor relationships for predicting Pinus contorta and Picea engelmannii×P. glauca productivity in central British Columbia, Canada

Measures of forest productivity for various site conditions are necessary for forest management planning, where timber production is the objective. This study was undertaken to test whether autecological productivity relationships developed for lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and interior spruce (Picea engelmannii×P. glauca) using the biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification system of British Columbia are useful as practical field-based procedures to predict site index. Independent data sets consisting of 111 plots for pine and 114 plots for spruce were collected for use in testing the bias and precision of the models. A regression on residuals (predicted minus test values) indicated that the lodgepole pine model was unbiased in estimating site index (p=0.08). However, there was a lack of precision, with a square root of the mean squared prediction error (root-MSPR) of 2.8 m. Only 56% of the test plots had differences from the predicted values of 2.0 m or less. Residual analysis showed that the interior spruce model was biased in estimating site index (p<0.01), generally predicting greater site index than the test values. The model also lacked precision, with a root-MSPR of 3.2 m. Only 44% of the test plots had differences from the predicted values of 2.0 m or less. Forest managers requiring a site-index prediction tool need to decide whether the degree of accuracy precision provided by these models is acceptable.