Evaluation of the Size-Density Relationships for Pure Red Alder and Douglas-Fir Stands

Authors: Puettmann, Klaus J.; Hann, David W.; Hibbs, David E.

Source: Forest Science, Volume 39, Number 1, 1 February 1993 , pp. 7-27(21)

Publisher: Society of American Foresters

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Abstract:

Size-density trajectories were developed for pure red alder (Alnus rubra Bong) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) stands with quadratic mean diameter of the stand as the tree-size variable. The resulting self-thinning or maximum size-density line for red alder had a steeper slope (-0.64) than that for Douglas-fir (-0.52). The assumption of a common slope for all species is therefore not supported by our study. For red alder, the shape of the size-density trajectory and the elevation of the maximum line were not influenced by initial density or stand origin. Red alder and Douglas-fir mortality started at a relative density of 44% and 58%, respectively. FOR. SCI. 39(1):7-27.

Keywords: Self-thinning; size-density trajectory; Stand Density Index

Document Type: Journal article

Affiliations: 1: Associate Professor, Forest Science Department, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331

Publication date: 1993-02-01

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