Effects of gap size and surrounding trees on light patterns and aspen branch growth in the western boreal forest

Abstract

Vertical and horizontal patterns of light within gaps and expansion of trees into gaps were examined in young stands dominated by trembling aspen ( Populus tremuloides Michx.) in northeastern British Columbia and northwestern Alberta. Lateral growth of branches of aspen edge trees averaged 15.2 cm/year and was similar to crown expansion rates reported for edge trees in eastern North America. Branches growing into gaps were significantly longer than those growing away from gaps and are likely to lead to gap shrinkage and reductions in light within gaps. However, height growth of edge trees was not significantly different from that of trees within the surrounding stands. Models describing relationships between diffuse transmittance and locations within gaps and surrounding stand height were developed in this paper. Sky view angle (SVA) was found to be effective for predicting transmittance to different locations within gaps. When SVA values exceed 1.2 (at the B.C. sites), white spruce ( Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) will receive <40% of full sunlight, which is less than optimal for spruce height growth.