Are self-thinning contraints needed in a tree-specific mortality model.

Robert Monserud; Thomas Ledermann; Hubert Sterba

Treesearch

Are self-thinning contraints needed in a tree-specific mortality model.

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Robert Monserud, Thomas Ledermann, Hubert Sterba

Year:

2005

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

Source:

Forest Science. 50(6):848-858

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Abstract

Can a tree-specific mortality model elicit expected forest stand density dynamics without imposing stand-level constraints such as Reineke's maximum stand density index (SDI,) or the -312 power law of self-thinning? We examine this emergent properties question using the Austrian stand simulator PROGNAUS. This simulator was chosen specifically because it does not use stand density constraints to determine individual tree mortality rates. In addition, it is based on a probability sample of the population that includes the span of the data being used to test the hypothesis. Initial conditions were obtained from 27 permanent research plots that were established in young pure stands of Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Austria. A growth period of 250 years was simulated.

Keywords

Self-thinning, maximum size-density relationship, mortality model, stand simulation, PROGNAUS, Reineke

Citation

Monserud, Robert A.; Ledermann, Thomas; Sterba, Hubert. 2005. Are self-thinning contraints needed in a tree-specific mortality model. Forest Science. 50(6):848-858