Linkages between silviculture and ecology: an analysis of density management diagrams

Abstract

Density management diagrams (DMDs) are used to quickly examine alternative density management regimes. DMDs are based upon several ecological concepts, and thus demonstrate links between quantitative silviculture and ecology. We group the important ecological concepts incorporated into DMDs into three broad categories: (1) the generality of allometric relationships; (2) the nature of size-density relationships; and (3) the ability of relative density indices to characterize stand development. We review the evidence for each of these categories as they are applied in DMDs. There is strong evidence for the application of allometric relationships to predict stand yield and for the ability of relative density indices to characterize elements of stand development. Some ambiguity exists concerning the application of size-density relationships. Specifically, there is some evidence indicating that maximum size-density relationships may vary with genetics, management practices, and environmental conditions. In general, we conclude that DMDs rest on a strong conceptual foundation.