A regional-scale survey and analysis of forest growth and mortality as affected by site and stand factors and acidic deposition

Abstract

Regression analyses were used to identify factors most closely related to species growth and mortality on continuous forest survey plots in Pennsylvania. In 1985, 200 plots with two prior measurements (in the 1960s and 1970s) were selected and measured for a third time to determine periodic forest growth and mortality rates. Growth and mortality were analyzed for temporal change and for relationship to site, stand, defoliation, and climatic factors and to wet atmospheric deposition. While basal area growth increased over the two intersurvey periods, growth rates declined and mortality rates increased from the first to the second intersurvey period. Growth and mortality patterns were most frequently related to stocking, defoliation by insects, and drought. Neither sulfate nor nitrate deposition for the years 1982-1985 was determined to be a major influence on tree growth or mortality.

Citation

Brooks, Robert T. 1994. A regional-scale survey and analysis of forest growth and mortality as affected by site and stand factors and acidic deposition. Forest Science. 40(3): 543-557.