Using specific volume increment (SVI) for quantifying growth responses in trees - theoretical and practical considerations

Abstract

Comparative analysis of growth responses among trees following natural or anthropogenic disturbances is often confounded when comparing trees of different size because of the high correlation between growth and initial tree size: large trees tend to have higher absolute grow rates. Relative growth rate (RGR) may not be the most suitable size-dependent measure of growth when studying larger trees since RGR is also highly correlated with tree size: larger trees tend to have lower RGR. This article demonstrates that specific volume increment is a more appropriate size-dependent measure of growth based on theoretical considerations and on empirical evidence with competition indices.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the third annual forest inventory and analysis symposium; 2001 October 17-19; Traverse City, Michigan

Citation

Bevilacqua, Eddie. 2002. Using specific volume increment (SVI) for quantifying growth responses in trees - theoretical and practical considerations. In: McRoberts, Ronald E.; Reams, Gregory A.; Van Deusen, Paul C.; Moser, John W., eds. Proceedings of the Thrid Annual Forest Inventory and Analysis Symposium; Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-230. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Research Station: 195-201