Effects of release from suppression on wood functional characteristics in young Douglas-fir and western hemlock.

H.J. Renninger; B.L. Gartner; F.C. Meinzer

doi:10.1139/x06-105

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Effects of release from suppression on wood functional characteristics in young Douglas-fir and western hemlock.

Informally Refereed

Authors:

H.J. Renninger, B.L. Gartner, F.C. Meinzer

Year:

2006

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1139/x06-105

Source:

Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 36(8): 2038-2046

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Abstract

We assessed differences in growth-ring width, specific conductivity (Ks), tracheid dimensions, moisture content, and wood density in suppressed Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) trees and trees released from suppression. Growth-ring width was 370 percent higher for Douglas-fir and 300 percent higher for western hemlock trees released from suppression, and Ks was 182 percent higher for Douglas-fir and 42 percent higher for western hemlock trees released from suppression. Earlywood width was approximately four times greater. Tracheids were 25 percent wider and 11 percent longer in released Douglas-fir trees. Wood density decreased by 21 percent in Douglas-fir trees and by 11 percent in western hemlock trees released from suppression.

Keywords

Hydraulic conductivity, thinning, wood anatomy, wood density

Citation

Renninger, H.J.; Gartner, B.L.; Meinzer, F.C. 2006. Effects of release from suppression on wood functional characteristics in young Douglas-fir and western hemlock. Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 36(8): 2038-2046