Effect of post-planting applications of granulated atrazine and fertiliser on the early growth of Eucalyptus nitens

A factorial experiment was established in a plantation of Eucalyptus nitens in southern Tasmania on a site which had formerly carried native eucalypt forest. Before planting, the site had been cleared of weeds with foliar translocated and pre-emergence herbicides. The first factor of the experiment examined the effects on tree growth of no post-planting weed control, control by hand or with three levels of application of granulated atrazine, 0.9, 1.8 and 8 kg ha^–1. The second factor examined the effects of no fertiliser application or the application of nitrogen as urea at 200 kg ha^–1 N plus triple superphosphate at 120 kg ha^–1 P. Tree growth responses to treatments were examined at 11, 16, 23 and 29 months of age.Fertiliser application increased tree height and diameter growth. Application of atrazine generally reduced height and diameter growth, but this was statistically significant only at the highest rate of application. Growth reduction occurred even though atrazine reduced post-planting weed cover on the site and hence potential competition with the tree crop for site resources. Hand weeding reduced the weed crop on the site even more than atrazine, but this did not increase growth of the tree crop.Given satisfactory establishment practices which include the use of herbicides pre-planting, it was concluded that post-planting weed regeneration was not sufficiently vigorous to warrant post-planting weed control on these sites. The use of atrazine for post-planting weed control could even be deleterious to eucalypts.     

Root exposure effects on water relations of Eucalyptus nitens nursery stock

Bare-root seedlings of Eucalyptus nitens frequently exhibit water stress after planting resulting in leaf lamina damage and reduced leaf area. Two trials examined effects of root exposure and desiccation between lifting and transplanting on post-planting water relations, leaf retention and root growth. Plants with roots exposed on a glasshouse bench initially lost water rapidly. In one trial ₁ declined to around –2.0 MPa within 2.5 h, after which there was no further change with exposure up to 7.5 h. In the second trial, the initial decline in ₁ was more rapid, reaching below –2.0 MPa in the first hour, before remaining stable with continuing exposure up to 4.5 h. A further decline then continued to –4.0 MPa after 7.5 h.Two days after transplanting into potting mix, day – time leaf water potentials in all desiccation treatments had declined to near –2.0 MPa. Hydraulic resistivity, measured as leaf specific resistivity two days after transplanting, increased following exposure for greater than 2.5 h, but there was no further increase between 4.5 and 7.5 h. The increase in resistivity corresponded with leaf water potential declining below –2.0 MPa during exposure.In the second trial, increasing root exposure time resulted in decreased leaf area due to lamina necrosis. Root growth, measured three weeks after planting, was also reduced. and there was also a positive curvilinear relationship between leaf area remaining at three weeks and new root growth. The results are discussed in terms of hardiness and the management of E. nitens seedlings from nursery to plantation.     

Changes in water relations of Eucalyptus nitens nursery stock during and after lifting and transplanting

Field symptoms of transplanting shock in Eucalyptus nitens open rooted (1/2 + 1/2) transplants suggest water stress. To identify stages in the development of symptoms, changes in water relations were monitored from undisturbed seedlings growing in a commercial nursery through lifting, transplanting into pots and re-establishment of normal water relations. Hydraulic resistance measured as leaf specific resistivity increased with each step in the transplanting process. Resistivity after lifting was double that measured on undisturbed plants in the nursery and subsequently doubled with each of the two successive stages, root trimming and planting out. Resistivity fell after the initial rise, returning to the values recorded in the nursery in two stages. An initial rapid decrease, which was not accompanied by any measurable root growth, was followed by a seven day period without a change in resistivity before a further gradual decrease as root volume increased with new root growth.All water relations measurements were taken on trees which had not suffered any permanent leaf damage as a result of transplanting. For a small group of trees which did suffer damage there was a significant relationship between root volume at planting and the retained healthy leaf area. Before shoot growth had recommenced the final ratio of turgid leaf area to initial root volume was comparable with plants immediately after lifting and before trimming. The results are discussed in terms of the changes in predawn leaf water potential, leaf water potential and the leaf damage or defoliation symptoms occuring in plantations.     

The effect of different levels of green pruning on the diameter growth of Pinus sylvestris L.

It was hypothesized that maximum living crown removal can be determined from experimental data using linear statistical models. Pruning experiments were carried out in four Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands. Zero to nine living branch whorls were removed in three stands in southern Finland, and 0–4.5 m of the living crown was removed in a stand in northern Finland. Only dead branch whorls were removed from the control trees. A total of 517 trees were analyzed. Diameter increment was measured five years after pruning. The growth reduction was statistically significant when 40% or more of the living crown was removed by pruning. According to the linear models, green pruning decreased diameter growth by 0 to 33% at defoliation levels below 40%. This loss in diameter growth is, from an economical point of view, compensated by the knotfree timber resulting from pruning 2–3 years earlier.     

Growth responses, physiology and decay associated with pruning plantation-grown Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and E. nitens (Deane and Maiden) Maiden

Detailed studies have been undertaken to define pruning regimes for Eucalyptus nitens, but little is known of E. globulus responses to pruning although this is a more commonly planted species. This paper describes experiments that aimed to identify (a) levels of pruning that reduce E. globulus growth, (b) physiological processes contributing to those growth responses, (c) the incidence of decay and factors influencing decay incidence following pruning of E. globulus, and (d) comparative responses of E. nitens and E. globulus to live branch pruning. Results of a field experiment indicated that removal of between 30 and 50% of the crown length was appropriate for E. globulus plantations verging on canopy closure. The significant reduction in height growth associated with removal of 50 or 70% of crown length suggested pruning should remain below 50% of crown length if reduced stem growth of pruned trees was to be avoided. Stem volume was only significantly reduced over the period of the experiment by 70% pruning, but it was estimated that standing volume following removal of 50% of crown length would be reduced by 82 m³ ha⁻¹ over a 20-year rotation if there were no other silvicultural interventions. The growth responses observed were probably related to large reductions in leaf area following 50 or 70% removal of crown length. Trees responded to pruning by changing patterns of biomass partitioning to favour stem growth at the expense of branch growth. A glasshouse study determined that light-saturated net CO₂ uptake (A_max) increased following pruning. E. nitens seedlings had both a higher baseline A_max and higher A_max following pruning than did E. globulus, which could partially explain the greater effect of pruning on E. globulus growth than has been observed for E. nitens in other studies. This result, as well as apparently different patterns of foliage distribution through the crowns of E. globulus and E. nitens, suggested that models of pruning responses need to be parameterised for both species. In addition, a more conservative pruning regime may be appropriate for E. globulus than E. nitens. Pruning increased the frequency of branch traces with decay infection, and there was a trend towards increasing decay outbreaks with increasing pruning severity. Decay outbreaks were more likely to occur following pruning of high angle or larger diameter branches.     

Effects of pruning on radial growth and biomass increment of trees growing in homegardens of Kerala, India

To evaluate the effects of pruning on stem radial growth increment and leaf and twig biomass production, an experiment with four pruning intensities (0, 50, 75 and 90%) on ten locally important tree species (Ailanthus triphysa, Albizia odoratissima, Artocarpus hirsutus, Bombax malabarica, Bridelia crenulata, Erythrina indica, Grewia tiliifolia, Macaranga peltata, Terminalia paniculata and Xylia xylocarpa ), was carried out. The results did not support the contention that a certain level of pruning promotes stem growth in trees. Instead, all species have a level of pruning that reduces annual increment in stem diameter. In Ailanthus triphysa and Artocarpus hirsutus trees subjected to different pruning intensities showed a decline in the annual increment in stem diameter while in other species diameter increment reduced when the pruning intensity was 75% and 90%. Response to pruning in terms of biomass production also varied from species to species. In Erythrina indica, Macaranga peltata and Terminalia paniculata annual foliage and branch production in pruned trees was significantly more than that of the un-pruned trees. However, in Ailanthus triphysa, Albizia odoratissima, Artocarpus hirsutus, Bridelia crenulata, Grewia tiliifolia and Xylia xylocarpa pruned trees produced comparatively more amount of foliage and branches produced annually than that by the un-pruned trees when the pruning was carried out once in 2 years. Based on these observations it is recommended that trees of Erythrina indica, Macaranga peltata and Terminalia paniculata may be pruned at 50% level annually while the trees of Ailanthus triphysa, Albizia odoratissima, Artocarpus hirsutus, Bridelia crenulata, Grewia tiliifolia and Xylia xylocarpa may be pruned at the same pruning intensity once in 2 years.     

Long-term effects of superphosphate fertilization on stem form, taper and stem volume estimation of Pinus radiata

The long term effects of superphosphate fertilization on stem form, taper and stem volume estimation of Pinus radiata on a phosphorus-deficient site was examined using data from a fertilizer experiment which had been maintained for 30 years. The application of superphosphate resulted in long term and statistically significant changes in stem form. Mean cylindrical form factor ranged from 0.33 for the control trees up to 0.40 for trees fertilized with 100 kg P ha⁻¹. Stem form was also examined through taper curves which provided detailed depiction of average relative stem profiles. The increase in cylindrical form factor of fertilized trees was largely attributed to a significantly broader profile of the lower third of the stem. In comparison with the control trees, the fertilized trees also had a broader, although not statistically significant, profile of upper and middle stem which could also contribute to the increase in their cylindrical form factor. With increased form factor a greater proportion of the stem became merchantable because of increased log length to tree height ratio. Mean average taper of trees did not show a consistent trend with increasing lelevels of superphosphate application. It largely reflected the differential response of DBH and height growth to the treatments. The volume equation based on control trees underestimated the underbark stem volume of fertilized trees by 5–12% on average. Developing separate volume equations for the fertilized trees is warranted.     

树冠修剪和切根处理对红松母树雌雄球花分化的影响

以红松种子园中的生长形状相对一致的嫁接母树为试验材料,研究不同树冠修剪和切根方法对母树雌雄球花分化数量的影响。结果表明,不同处理均对母树雌雄球花分化数量有显著的促进作用,其中:剪去树冠第一层轮枝和顶梢部分,在第二层轮枝中选留3个生长健壮且分布均匀的侧枝,其余侧枝全部剪除的处理方法,对雌球花分化数量的增加作用最为明显,差异达到极显著水平;切断试验母树3/4环形沟中的根系和试验母树环形沟中全部根系的处理方法,对雌雄球花分化数量的增加作用最为明显,差异达到极显著水平。     

造林密度和修枝对‘欧美107杨’生长量的影响

以3种造林密度‘欧美107杨’为研究对象,通过测定不同年份胸径、树高、枝下高等,来分析造林密度及修枝对‘欧美107杨’生长量的影响.结果表明,‘欧美107杨’胸径和单株材积生长量随着造林密度的增大而减小,即3种造林密度‘欧美107杨’2a胸径和单株材积生长量由高到低依次为株行距3m×12m、5m×6m、3m×6m,而树高生长量变化趋势正好相反.修枝在一定程度上能促进树高生长和提高枝下高,有利于提高杨树木材质量.     

修枝对杉木生长、林下光照及植被的影响

设置3个年度修枝高度至6、5、4 m和不修枝A、B、C、D(CK)四个处理,研究修枝对立木生长、林下光照及植被的影响。结果表明:修枝对杉木生长无显著影响,处理A、 B、C与对照比,树高增益分别为-1.05、-0.62、-0.43个百分点,胸径增益分别为-1.05、-0.16、0.22个百分点,材积增益分别为-2.50、-1.60、1.40个百分点,波动范围极小。不同强度修枝林冠下光照率存在极显著差异,处理A、 B、C分别比不修枝提高25.30、13.39、7.30个百分点。不同强度修枝林下植被种类及鲜重也存在极显著差异,与对照比,处理A、B、C植被种类分别增多275%、250%、200%,植被鲜重分别增加483%、428%、386%。     

Predicting and calibrating diameter distributions of Eucalyptus grandis (Hill) Maiden plantations in Zimbabwe

Diameter distribution models for even-aged Eucalyptus grandis plantations in Zimbabwe were developed using the two-parameter Weibull function. The analysis was based on data from Correlated Curve Trend (CCT) experiments replicated on four different sites. Parameters of the Weibull distribution were predicted using stand characteristics as regressors. Two sets of parameter models were estimated: a set with and one without stand basal area as a predictor. Stand variables such as dominant height, age, site index and number of stems were used in both sets. The models were further calibrated to result in a given number of stems and stand basal area simultaneously. The usability of constructed models was tested both in prediction of yield in a stand inventory situation and in simulation of growth in connection with different growth models. The results indicated that models not including stand basal area produce considerably less precise stand volume estimates compared to models including also stand basal area. Calibration improved the accuracy of diameter distribution models. In growth simulation diameter distribution models can be connected both to single tree growth models and to stand projection models. The usability of calibration in growth simulation depends on the accuracy of the prediction of stand characteristics.     

Determinants of stem form: Application to Tectona grandis (Linn. F) stands

ABSTRACT

Stem form information can enhance rapid estimation of stem volume. Studies on important determinants of stem form in pure stands are scanty. This study aimed at identifying determinants of stem form using Tectona grandis stands in Omo Forest Reserve, Nigeria. Twenty 0.04 ha square plots were randomly selected across four stand ages. Crown diameter, total and merchantable heights (MH), diameters at breast height (DBH), at 5.27 m tree height and at midpoint from breast height to tip of tree were measured in each plot. Measured trees were classified into four canopy layers (CL)—dominant, codominant, intermediate, and suppressed. Merchantable volume, basal area (BA), form factor (F_f), normal form quotient (Q_n), Girard form class (Q_G), absolute form quotient (Q_a), ratio of diameter at merchantable limit to diameter at the base (D_t/D_b), and tree slenderness coefficient were derived from the data. Analysis of variance, correlation, and regression analyses were used to analyze the data. Significant differences were observed in stem form and tree size variables under different canopy layers. The DBH, BA, MHT, and CL were identified as important variables associated with stem form. Inclusion of Q_a improved most the predictive ability of the selected stem volume equation.     

Effects of initial spacing on the stem and branch properties and graded quality of Picea abies (L.) karst

The effects of spacing on the stem and branch properties of Norway spruce growing on a good soil in southwestern Sweden were evaluated. Butt logs from sample trees were test sawn, and the boards were machine‐stress graded and graded according to Swedish export rules. Branch diameter and bole diameter both responded positively to an increase in spacing. Quality, as reflected by stress and export grades, increased in response to a decrease in spacing.     

Effects of potassium/sodium fertilization and throughfall exclusion on growth patterns of Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden during extreme drought periods

New Forests - In Brazil, most Eucalyptus plantations are located in regions experiencing periods of water shortage where fertilizers are intensively used to achieve high productivity. Fertilization...     

北京栓皮栎林分的干形质量初步研究

探讨了划分林木干形质量的标准,将林木干形质量分为通直、轻度弯曲、二杈分枝、多杈分枝和重度弯曲5类干形。选择了胸径、树高、冠幅、冠长等6个因子,并研究了这6个调查因子随干形质量变化的关系。通过方差分析发现不同干形质量的林木胸径差异并不明显,而其它的调查因子却因干形不同而表现出显著差异。对表现显著的林分因子进行多重比较研究,发现通直干形生长得较高、有较小的冠径比;二杈分枝和多杈分枝林木的冠幅较大,且二杈分枝类型林木的高径比最小。可以得出结论:在近自然经营过程中,在选择以材质为目的的目标树时,首先考虑干形通直的林木。     

修枝和间伐对福建柏生长的影响

对16年生福建柏人工林开展修枝、修枝+间伐试验,2年后调查结果表明:修枝、间伐对福建柏树高生长有明显的促进作用;无论是修枝处理还是修枝+间伐处理,对福建柏胸径生长均未表现出明显的促进作用;修枝处理对于优化福建柏树体干形有着明显的作用,而间伐对树体干形的优化作用不大;修枝+间伐处理对单株材积有明显的促进作用,修枝处理的单株材积与对照差异不明显。修枝+间伐处理对不同坡位福建柏生长差异明显,树高、胸径、单株材积以中、下坡生长量大,上坡生长量小;树体干形中坡较上坡、下坡好。综合结果表明,福建柏选择中、下坡种植,采取修枝+间伐处理,对提高其产量及干形质量效果显著。     

A model for the relationship between branch number and biomass in Pinus sylvestris crowns and the effect of crown shape and stand density on branch and stem biomass

The branch biomass of young Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris L.) was inversely related to the branch number per projected crown area giving greater branch density and smaller branch biomass for narrow crowns than for broad crowns. In particular, in dense stands the small share of branches from the total biomass of narrow‐crowned trees was emphasized. The productivity of narrow crowned trees was, however, smaller than that of trees with broad crowns. The concept of the tree ideotype has been discussed on the basis of theoretical calculations.     

桉树萌芽林留萌株数对伐期林分结构与材积的影响

萌芽林采用随机区组设计,分别留萌1、1.5、2、3株·桩-1,结果表明:在萌芽林6年生时,平均胸径与树高随留萌株数增加而减少,平均胸径变异系数则增加;保存率与留萌株数的关系主要受到台风影响;不同留萌株数的树皮厚度与径级﹑生长量有关;留萌株数对桉树的树高与胸径影响不大;就单位总材积而言,留萌3株·桩-1的林分比1株·桩-1的高50%,2株·桩-1的比1株·桩-1的高10%.