Forest restoration treatments in a ponderosa pine forest enhance physiological activity and growth under climatic stress [Bulletin]

Alan J. Tepley; Sharon M. Hood; Christopher R. Keyes; Anna Sala

doi:10.1002/bes2.1772

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Forest restoration treatments in a ponderosa pine forest enhance physiological activity and growth under climatic stress [Bulletin]

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Alan J. Tepley, Sharon M. Hood, Christopher R. Keyes, Anna Sala

Year:

2020

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1002/bes2.1772

Source:

The Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America. 101(4): e01772.

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Abstract

Stand-density reduction treatments are widely applied to restore historic stand structure and increase resistance to high-severity fire in dry ponderosa pine forests. Little is known about whether the removal of competition also alters tree responses to drought, and if so, how long those effects persist, or the underlying mechanisms. This study evaluates tree growth, seasonal tree-ring stable-carbon isotope patterns, and tree mortality over 23 years following thinning treatments with and without prescribed fire in a ponderosa pine forest of western Montana, USA. The treatments increased tree growth, enhanced carbon assimilation under drought stress, and reduced mortality under increased bark beetle pressure.

Keywords

forest restoration, treatments, ponderosa pine, stand density, mortality, climatic stress

Citation

Tepley, Alan J.; Hood, Sharon M.; Keyes, Christopher R.; Sala, Anna. 2020. Forest restoration treatments in a ponderosa pine forest enhance physiological activity and growth under climatic stress [ESA]. The Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America. 101(4): e01772.