Consistent definition and application of Reineke's Stand Density Index in silviculture and stand projection

John D. Shaw; James N. Long

Treesearch

Consistent definition and application of Reineke's Stand Density Index in silviculture and stand projection

Informally Refereed

Authors:

John D. Shaw, James N. Long

Year:

2010

Type:

Proceedings

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

In: Jain, Theresa B.; Graham, Russell T.; Sandquist, Jonathan. Integrated management of carbon sequestration and biomass utilization opportunities in a changing climate: Proceedings of the 2009 National Silviculture Workshop; 2009 June 15-18; Boise, ID. Proceedings RMRS-P-61. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 199-209.

Download (PDF 922 KB)

Download (PDF 922 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/37329.pdf

Abstract

Reineke’s Stand Density Index (SDI) has been available to silviculturists for over 75 years, but application of this stand metric has been inconsistent. Originally described as a measurement of relative density in single-species, even-aged stands, it has since been generalized for use in uneven-aged stands and mixed-species stands. However, methods used to establish the maximum SDI for various forest types have varied widely. As a result, there are maximum SDI values for some forest types that do not appear to be supported by adequate analysis. This situation has led to confusion and lack of confidence in SDI among some practitioners. We describe several issues related to the determination of maximum SDI, and propose guidelines for future research and application.

Parent Publication

Integrated management of carbon sequestration and biomass utilization opportunities in a changing climate: Proceedings of the 2009 National Silviculture Workshop; 2009 June 15-18; Boise, ID.

Keywords

density management diagram, Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS), Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA), SDI, self-thinning, stand development

Citation

Shaw, John D.; Long, James N. 2010. Consistent definition and application of Reineke's Stand Density Index in silviculture and stand projection. In: Jain, Theresa B.; Graham, Russell T.; Sandquist, Jonathan. Integrated management of carbon sequestration and biomass utilization opportunities in a changing climate: Proceedings of the 2009 National Silviculture Workshop; 2009 June 15-18; Boise, ID. Proceedings RMRS-P-61. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 199-209.