Relationship between decomposition of cellulose in the soil and tree stand characteristics in natural boreal forests

The relationship between the decomposition of cellulose placed on and buried in the forest floor and various tree stand characteristics was studied at sites with minimal anthropogenic influence. The 22 study sites, including both forested upland and peatland plots, were clustered in 4 catchments between 61°–69° N in Finland. The stands were 60 to 320 years old and composed of varying proportions of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst.) and deciduous species (mainly t Betula spp.). Cellulose strips (softwood pulp) were placed on the forest floor surface and buried at four depths down to 5 cm for two 1-year periods and the weight loss measured. Decomposition did not significantly correlate with stand age, but was strongly and positively correlated with stand basal area, mean tree height and stem volume. This was valid at all depths, and even after differences due to climate between catchments had been taken into account. The stem volume of Scots pine dominated plots had the highest correlation. Our results showed that decomposition of organic matter on and in the forest floor is related to the stand characteristics. This relationship should be considered when comparing soil processes different stands, even when comparing stands of the same tree species composition.     

Evidence of variant intra- and interspecific scaling of tree crown structure and relevance for allometric theory

General scaling rules or constants for metabolic and structural plant allometry as assumed by the theory of Euclidian geometric scaling (2/3-scaling) or metabolic scaling (3/4-scaling) may meet human's innate propensity for simplicity and generality of pattern and processes in nature. However, numerous empirical works show that variability of crown structure rather than constancy is essential for a tree's success in coping with crowding. In order to link theory and empiricism, we analyzed the intra- and inter-specific scaling of crown structure for 52 tree species. The basis is data from 84 long-term plots of temperate monospecific forests under survey since 1870 and a set of 126 yield tables of angiosperm and gymnosperm forest tree species across the world. The study draws attention to (1) the intra-specific variation and correlation of the three scaling relationships: tree height versus trunk diameter, crown cross-sectional area versus trunk diameter, and tree volume versus trunk diameter, and their dependence on competition, (2) the inter-specific variation and correlation of the same scaling exponents ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) across 52 tree species, and (3) the relevance of the revealed variable scaling of crown structure for leaf organs and metabolic scaling. Our results arrive at suggesting a more extended metabolic theory of ecology which includes variability and covariation between allometric relationships as prerequisite for the individual plant's competitiveness.     

Long-term growth dynamics of natural forests in Hokkaido,northern Japan

Abstract. The long-term growth dynamics of natural forest stands on the island of Hokkaido were described on the basis of an analysis of data from 38 permanent plots spanning 15–22 yr. Stand structure was characterized by basal area, stem density and tree size variability. To detect trends in stand structure, regression models for recruitment rate (per ha per yr), mortality rate and the rate of change in stem density and tree size variability were developed by a stepwise method using initial basal area, stem density, tree size variability, species composition summarized by LNMDS ordination, altitude, annual mean temperature, annual precipitation, type of understorey vegetation, topography and slope aspect as candidates for predictor variables. The same analyses were conducted for basal area increment (net growth) and its components: survivor growth = basal area gain by growth of surviving individuals and mortality = basal area loss by death of individuals. Stem density remained generally unchanged; recruitment was relatively low even in very sparse stands. Stand basal area generally increased as survivor growth was approximately double the mortality. Recruitment rate was strongly affected by the presence of dwarf bamboo (Sasa spp.) vegetation on the forest floor which inhibited tree regeneration. Mortality rate was density-dependent; dense stands had higher mortality than sparse stands. Density change rate (recruitment rate - mortality rate) was, therefore, determined by both the type of understorey vegetation and stem density. Survivor growth was high in stands with high stem density and basal area. Mortality was dependent on basal area and altitude. Net basal area increment (net growth) was dependent only on stem density with other factors that influenced survivor growth and mortality omitted. Tree size variability decreased in stands with high tree size variability whereas it increased in stands with low size variability. Based on the obtained models for density change rate and net basal area increment, trajectories of stands were illustrated on a log-log diagram of stem density and basal area. The predicted differences in trajectories as affected by the understorey vegetation type indicated the importance of dwarf bamboo vegetation for forest dynamics on Hokkaido.     

Species-specific allometric scaling under self-thinning: evidence from long-term plots in forest stands

Experimental plots covering a 120 years' observation period in unthinned, even-aged pure stands of common beech (Fagus sylvatica), Norway spruce (Picea abies), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), and common oak (Quercus Petraea) are used to scrutinize Reineke's (1933) empirically derived stand density rule [see text], N=tree number per unit area, [see text]=mean stem diameter), Yoda's (1963) self-thinning law based on Euclidian geometry ([see text] [see text]=mean biomass per tree), and basic assumptions of West, Brown and Enquist's (1997, 1999) fractal scaling rules ([see text] [see text] w=biomass per tree, d=stem diameter). RMA and OLS regression provides observed allometric exponents, which are tested against the exponents, expected by the considered rules. Hope for a consistent scaling law fades away, as observed exponents significantly correspond with the considered rules only in a minority of cases: (1) exponent r of [see text] varies around Reineke's constant -1.605, but is significantly different from r=-2, supposed by Euclidian or fractal scaling, (2) Exponent c of the self-thinning line [see text] roams roughly about the Euclidian scaling constant -3/2, (3) Exponent a of [see text] tends to follow fractal scaling 8/3. The unique dataset's evaluation displays that (4) scaling exponents and their oscillation are species-specific, (5) Euclidian scaling of one relation and fractal scaling of another are coupled, depending on species. Ecological implications of the results in respect to self-tolerance (common oak>Norway spruce>Scots pine>common beech) and efficiency of space occupation (common beech>Scots pine>Norway spruce>common oak) are stressed and severe consequences for assessing, regulating and scheduling stand density are discussed.     

蒙古栎红松林物种组成和结构动态的研究

 通过对蒙古栎红松林3个年龄阶段物种和结构动态的研究,结果表明,该类型森林的更新状况良好,早期阶段红松(Pinus koraiensis)和阔叶树的更新数量相同,后期更新树种以红松为主;在森林发育早期阶段蒙古栎(Quercus mongolica)等阳性树种占优势,中期为红松和阔叶树占优势的混交林,后期形成红松占优势的林分;随着森林的发育,灌木和草本层动态呈现复杂的变化。通过对该类型森林直径分布变化的研究得出,在林分发育的早期,阔叶树中大径级木较多,针叶树中小径级木多,在林分发育的后期呈相反的规律。用理论概率模型拟合直径分布表明,韦布尔概率分布模型是描述蒙古栎红松林直径分布的最适模型。     

An Analysis of Vegetation Restoration on Opencast Oil Shale Mines in Estonia

We compared four types of 30‐year‐old forest stands growing on spoil of opencast oil shale mines in Estonia. The stand types were: (1) natural stands formed by spontaneous succession, and plantations of (2) Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine), (3) Betula pendula (silver birch), and (4) Alnus glutinosa (European black alder). In all stands we measured properties of the tree layer (species richness, stand density, and volume of growing stock), understory (density and species richness of shrubs and tree saplings), and ground vegetation (aboveground biomass, species richness, and species diversity). The tree layer was most diverse though sparse in the natural stands. Understory species richness per 100‐m² plot was highest in the natural stand, but total stand richness was equal in the natural and alder stands, which were higher than the birch and pine stands. The understory sapling density was lower than 50 saplings/100 m² in the plantations, while it varied between 50 and 180 saplings/100 m² in the natural stands. Growing stock volume was the least in natural stands and greatest in birch stands. The aboveground biomass of ground vegetation was highest in alder stands and lowest in the pine stands. We can conclude that spontaneous succession promotes establishment of diverse vegetation. In plantations the establishment of diverse ground vegetation depends on planted tree species.     

川西亚高山次生桦木林恢复过程中的生物量、生产力与材积变化

采用空间代替时间的样地调查方法,利用异速生长方程和一元材积表计算不同林龄桦木林的生物量、生产力与材积,结果表明,桦木林乔木层及平均单株地上生物量均随林龄增加而增加,在50 a时达到最大;生产力则先增加而后逐渐减少,乔木层30 a时生产力为7.88 t.hm-.2a-1,到40 a和50 a时,分别下降到5.17 t.hm-.2a-1和1.19.thm-.2a-1;单株平均生产力在30 a时达到最大值1.13 kg.a-1,40 a时下降为0.96 kg.a-1,50 a时略有上升。林分蓄积量随林龄增加而增加,平均生长量在50 a达到最大值3.78 m.3hm-2,连年生长量在30 a时达到最大值6.07 m.3hm-2。平均单株材积增长速度随林龄增加而增加,50 a时平均生长量和连年生长量达到最大值。     

Factors influencing epiphytic bryophyte and lichen species richness at different spatial scales in managed temperate forests

The effect of management related factors on species richness of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens was studied in managed deciduous-coniferous mixed forests in Western-Hungary. At the stand level, the potential explanatory variables were tree species composition, stand structure, microclimate and light conditions, landscape and historical variables; while at tree level host tree species, tree size and light were studied. Species richness of the two epiphyte groups was positively correlated. Both for lichen and bryophyte plot level richness, the composition and diversity of tree species and the abundance of shrub layer were the most influential positive factors. Besides, for bryophytes the presence of large trees, while for lichens amount and heterogeneity of light were important. Tree level richness was mainly determined by host tree species for both groups. For bryophytes oaks, while for lichens oaks and hornbeam turned out the most favourable hosts. Tree size generally increased tree level species richness, except on pine for bryophytes and on hornbeam for lichens. The key variables for epiphytic diversity of the region were directly influenced by recent forest management; historical and landscape variables were not influential. Forest management oriented to the conservation of epiphytes should focus on: (i) the maintenance of tree species diversity in mixed stands; (ii) increment the proportion of deciduous trees (mainly oaks); (iii) conserving large trees within the stands; (iv) providing the presence of shrub and regeneration layer; (v) creating heterogeneous light conditions. For these purposes tree selection and selective cutting management seem more appropriate than shelterwood system.     

Individual biomass factors for beech, oak and pine in Slovakia: a comparative study in young naturally regenerated stands

Biomass conversion and expansion factors (BCEF) which convert tree stem volume to whole tree biomass and biomass allocation patterns in young trees were studied in order to estimate tree and stand biomass in naturally regenerated forests. European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), Sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Mattuschka) Liebl.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands were compared. Seven forest stands of each species were chosen to cover their natural distribution in Slovakia. Species-specific BCEF are presented, generally showing a steep decrease in all species in the smallest trees, with the only exception in the case of branch BCEF in beech which grows with increasing tree size. The values of BCEF for all tree compartments stabilise in all species once trees reach about 60–70-mm diameter at base. As they grow larger, all species increase their allocation to stem and branches, while decreasing the relative growth of roots and foliage. There are, however, clear differences between species and also between broadleaves and conifers in biomass allocation. This research shows that species-specific coefficients must be used if we are to reduce uncertainties in estimates of carbon stock changes by afforestation and reforestation activities.     

Connections between climatic variables and the growth and needle dynamics of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Estonia and Lapland

The relationships between climatic variables and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) growth and needle dynamics were studied in three stands in Estonia and in four stands located near the northern timberline in Lapland. The trees sampled in Estonia had low correlations with the analysed climatic variables (air temperature, precipitation and indices of atmospheric circulation). Moreover, the weak cross-correlation of the time-series of the Estonian sample trees indicated that Scots pine is affected mainly by local factors in that region. In Lapland, however, height increment and needle production correlated strongly among trees within a stand (mean r=0.45 and 0.46, respectively) and between stands (r=0.32 and 0.37). Radial increment also showed a high inter-correlation among the trees within a stand in Lapland (r=0.45). Both height increment and needle production were strongly influenced by the temperature regime of the previous summer in Lapland (mean r=0.64 and 0.64, respectively). Radial increment was correlated with the mean July temperature of the current year (mean r=0.29). The correlations between the indices of atmospheric circulation and tree attributes were weak, while the strongest correlation was between the Ponta Delgada NAO index (PD–NAO) and height increment and needle production in Lapland. Height increment, needle production and radial increment have increased since the 1990s in the trees growing in Lapland. This may indicate a positive effect of climate warming on tree growth in Lapland. In Estonia, where climatic conditions do not limit tree growth, the climate warming seems not to directly influence the growth and needle dynamics of Scots pine.     

Allometry and biomass of Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) in central Korea

Aboveground tree biomass of Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc.) was determined for a natural forest of Korean pine and mixed deciduous trees and seven age classes of plantation forests in central Korea. Regression analyses of the dry weights of stem wood, stem bark, branches, and needles versus diameter at breast height were used to calculate regression equations of the form of log Y = a + b log X. Biomass of Korean pine in the mixed forest was 118 Mg ha(-1), and biomass in the plantations was linearly related to stand age, ranging from 52.3 Mg ha(-1) in 11 to 20-year-old stands to 317.9 Mg ha(-1) in 71 to 80-year-old stands. The proportions of stem wood and stem bark in the total aboveground biomass decreased with stand age while those of branch and needle increased. Specific leaf area of Korean pine ranging from 35.2 to 52.1 cm2 g(-1) was significantly different among crown positions and needle ages; in general, lower crown position and current needles had the greatest surface area per unit dry weight.     

Pattern of carbon allocation across three different stages of stand development of a Chinese pine (Pinus tabulaeformis) forest

The pattern of carbon (C) allocation across different stages of stand development of Chinese pine (Pinus tabulaeformis) forests is poorly documented. In order to understand the effects of stand age on the C pool of the Chinese pine forest ecosystem, we have examined the above- and belowground C pools in three differently aged stands of Chinese pine in the northern mountains of Beijing, China, by plot-level inventories and destructive sampling. Our results suggest that tree branch and foliage biomass should be estimated by age-specific equations. Reasonably accurate estimates of tree stem, tree root, aboveground, and total tree biomass in a Chinese pine forest at different development stages were obtained using age-independent allometric equations from tree diameter only. The ratio of belowground to aboveground tree biomass was relatively constant with stand aging, remaining around 21?%. The contribution of aboveground tree biomass C increased from 21?% of the total ecosystem C in a 25-year-old stand to 44?% in a 65-year-old stand, subsequently falling to 41?% in a 105-year-old stand, while the contribution of mineral soil C decreased from 64?% of the total ecosystem C in 25-year-old stand to 38?% in a 65-year-old stand, subsequently increasing to 41?% in a 105-year-old stand. The C stock of the total ecosystem and its aboveground tree, tree root, forest floor, and mineral soil components continuously increased with stand ageing, whereas the C stock of the understory showed a declining trend and contributed little to the total site C pool.     

Long‐term successional forest dynamics: species and community responses to climatic variability

Question: Are trees sensitive to climatic variability, and do tree species differ in their responses to climatic variability? Does sensitivity of forest communities to climatic variability depend on stand composition? Location: Mixed young forest at Walker Branch Watershed near Oak Ridge, East Tennessee, USA. Methods: Using a long‐term dataset (1967–2006), we analyzed temporal forest dynamics at the tree and species level, and community dynamics for forest stands that differed in initial species composition (i.e., chestnut oak, oak–hickory, pine, and yellow poplar stands). Using summer drought and growing season temperature as defined climate drivers, we evaluated relationships between forest dynamics and climate across levels of organization. Results: Over the four‐decade study period, forest communities underwent successional change and substantially increased in biomass. Variation in summer drought and growing season temperature contributed to temporal biomass dynamics for some tree species, but not for others. Stand‐level responses to climatic variability were related to the responses of component species, except in pine stands. Pinus echinata, the dominant species in pine stands, decreased over time due to periodic outbreaks of pine bark beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis). These outbreaks at Walker Branch could not be directly related to climatic conditions. Conclusions: The results indicate that sensitivity of developing forests to climatic variability is stand type‐dependent, and hence is a function of species composition. However, in the long term, direct effects of climatic variability on forest dynamics may be small relative to autogenic successional processes or climate‐related insect outbreaks. Empirical studies testing for interactions between forest succession and climatic variability are needed.     

樟子松人工林树冠表面积及体积预估模型的研究

基于樟子松(Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica)人工林6块固定标准地30株枝解析数据,在分析树冠表面积和树冠体积与林分变量和林木变量的基础上,利用幂函数建立了树冠表面积（CSA）和树冠体积(CV)的预估模型,同时还对林木材积生长量与CSA和CV进行了相关分析。研究结果表明：樟子松人工林树冠表面积和树冠体积随着林木胸径、树高和冠长的增大而增大,林木材积生长量与树冠表面积和树冠体积均明显呈线性关系。不同林分条件的樟子松人工林CSA和CV随林分年龄和胸径的增大而增大,CSA随林分密度的增大而减小,而CV与林分密度相关不紧密。林分树冠表面积和树冠体积预估模型的检验结果表明,两个模型的平均相对误差都在±8%之内,预估精度均大于91%,说明所建模型可以很好地预估樟子松人工林不同林分条件下的林木树冠表面积和树冠体积。     

中亚热带湿地松(Pinus elliottii)人工林生长过程

基于树干解析和树轮分析,结合野外调查,揭示了我国主要外来树种--湿地松(Pinus elliottii)的生长规律,从而为人工林经营管理和生态系统服务功能评估提供了依据。2005年调查了1948年江西吉安青原山引种后存留的564株湿地松(1954 1958年生)。胸径(DBH, diameter at breast height)平均值为34.2 cm(18.4-58cm),树高平均值为19.5 m(9-33m)。青原山湿地松树轮分析结果显示:52年间,年树轮宽度增长量平均值为0.32 cm,最大年增长量不超过1.14 cm。胸径年生长量总体上呈下降趋势,直径生长高峰出现在10a左右;林龄达到20a左右时,直径年生长量开始下降;林龄40a后,生长变得极为缓慢。距青原山西南100km的千烟洲湿地松林(20年生)胸径和树高平均值分别为15.9 cm和11.0 m;20a的胸径生长量平均值为0.86 cm;材积方程为V= 0.0000213 D^2.9870924(V为带皮材积,D为胸径)。千烟洲湿地松林生物量低于同期营造的马尾松(Pinus massoniana)林生物量,也明显低于中亚热带地带性植被樟树(Cinnamomum camphora)林的生物量。经比较发现,引种营造的湿地松林,其生长量远不如原产地美国佛罗里达州湿地松林。     

天保工程实施以来东北阔叶红松林的可持续经营

20世纪末以来有两个重要的变化影响着东北温带阔叶红松林资源的可持续性,一是天然林资源保护工程(下称天保工程)的实施,另一个是红松不再作为用材树种被采伐。但森林采伐后的更新造林模式并没有显著改变。以长白山腹地-露水河林业局的阔叶红松林为研究对象,利用森林资源清查(二类)和作业设计调查(三类)资料,评估了这两个重要的变化对当前的森林资源的产生影响。结果表明,天保工程的实施调减了采伐量,间接提高了森林的公顷蓄积量,整体上促进了森林资源的恢复。目前,紫椴,蒙古栎,水曲柳和春榆等占商品材总生产量94.7%(蓄积量)。与此同时,可供采伐的这4个树种年生长量却小于采伐量,而林下补植红松,却忽视阔叶树更新的经营模式势必会逐渐增加红松在阔叶红松林中的比例,使目前商品材资源不足的情况更加恶化。总的来说,天保工程促进了公益林区森林资源的可持续性,但降低了用于木材生产的商品林的面积;红松不采伐增加了红松在商品林中的比例,降低了商品林中用材树种比例和商品材的可持续生产能力,从长期看,必然导致可采伐林木资源的枯竭。据此,建议应根据森林培育的目标,选择合适的森林更新恢复模式。     

Effectiveness of soil N availability indices in predicting site productivity in the oil sands region of Alberta

Background and aims

Quantitative relationships between soil N availability indices and tree growth are lacking in the oil sands region of Alberta and this can hinder the development of guidelines for the reclamation of the disturbed landscape after oil sands extraction. The aim of this paper was to establish quantitative relationships between soil N availability indices and tree growth in the oil sands region of Alberta.

Methods

In situ N mineralization rates, in situ N availability measured in the field using Plant Root Simulators (PRS? probes), laboratory aerobic and anaerobic soil N mineralization rates, and soil C/N and N content were determined for both the forest floor and the 0–20?cm mineral soil in eight jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) stands in the oil sands region in northern Alberta. Tree growth rates were determined based on changes in tree ring width in the last 6?years and as mean annual aboveground biomass increment.

Results

Soil N availability indices across those forest stands varied and for each stand it was several times higher in the forest floor than in the mineral soil. The in situ and laboratory aerobic and anaerobic soil N mineralization rates, soil mineralized N, in situ N availability measured using PRS probes, soil C/N ratio and N content in both the forest floor and mineral soil, as well as stand age were linearly correlated with tree ring width of jack pine trees across the selected forest stands, consistent with patterns seen in other published studies and suggesting that N availability could be a limiting factor in the range of jack pine stands studied.

Conclusions

In situ and laboratory aerobic and anaerobic N mineralization rates and soil C/N ratio and N content can be used for predicting tree growth in jack pine forests in the oil sand region. Laboratory based measurements such as aerobic and anaerobic N mineralization rates and soil C/N ratio and N content would be preferable as they are more cost effective and equally effective for predicting jack pine growth.     

云南松林的生物量研究

本文研究了云南省易门县海拔1600—1700m的云南松中幼龄林分的生物量。云南松林的生物量随林龄的增加而增加。4年生林分的总生物量为9.985吨/公顷,11年生林分为27.874吨/公顷,23年生林分为69.852吨/公顷。乔木层的器官生物量分配比例随林龄而变化。针叶和树皮的分配比例随林龄的增加而迅速下降;干材和根的比例则不断上升,其中以干材增加最快;树枝的分配比例以11年生林分最大,23年生林分次之,4年生林分最小。     

Development processes and growth pattern of Pinus densiflora stands in central eastern Korea

Stand growth and developmental processes were investigated in Pinus densiflora Siebold et Zucc. stands of different ages in the central eastern region of Korea. Stands were inventoried and five trees per stand were sampled for stem analysis, age estimation, and growth analysis. More than 80% of sampled trees in a stand were established within 3–5 years, and most stands had a single cohort structure. The initial growth of pine seedlings was slow, but the height growth accelerated beyond 2–3 m height, 5–10 years after establishment. Linear growth was maintained until 10–12 m height, at which suppressed trees fell behind and might die out. The young stand was composed of pure pines, while few pine seedlings and saplings were found in the understory of older stands. The peak of diameter growth rate occurred around 5–15 years after tree establishment, implying that competition begins during that period. The pine stand development follows four stages: (1) the young stage when the growth rate increases and peaks; (2) the height competition stage when trees focus on height growth for light while maintaining a narrow DBH and height distribution; (3) the differentiation stage when suppressed trees die out, and the DBH distribution becomes wider; and (4) the mature stage when stands have a multi-canopy structure with a wide DBH and height distribution, while the understory is dominated by other tree species. The changes in growth rates and stand structure through forest development would be implemented to predict alterations of above-ground carbon sequestration rates.