Effect of diameter limits and stand structure on relative density indices: a case study

Robert Curtis

Treesearch

Effect of diameter limits and stand structure on relative density indices: a case study

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Robert Curtis

Year:

2010

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

Source:

Western Journal of Applied Forestry. 25(4): 169-175

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Download (PDF 2.40 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/38794.pdf

Abstract

An understory of shade-tolerant species often develops in stands in the Douglas-fir region of western Washington and Oregon and can have a disproportionate effect on relative density indices, such as Reineke stand density index and Curtis relative density. The effects of such understories and of other departures from The even-aged condition are illustrated with selected stand data. In general, the summation methods are less influenced by departures from the even-aged condition than are the conventional calculations based on quadratic mean diameter. Recommendations are made for consistent definition of the lower diameter limit of trees to be included in such computations

Keywords

density control, relative density, stand density index, stocking control, Reineke stand density index, Curtis relative density

Citation

Curtis, Robert O. 2010. Effect of diameter limits and stand structure on relative density indices: a case study. Western Journal of Applied Forestry. 25(4): 169-175.