Lodgepole pine growth as a function of competition and canopy light environment within aspen dominated mixedwoods of central interior British Columbia

Abstract

Three lodgepole pine and aspen mixedwood sites located in the central interior of British Columbia within the Sub Boreal Spruce (SBS) biogeoclimatic zone were chosen to study the neighbourhood aspen competition and canopy light environment of 14–19-year-old lodgepole pine. All three sites had previously been established as separate research trials designed to explore various silviculture options for controlling aspen competition (aspen brushing, herbicide, thinning and untreated areas). For each site, 33–36 pine trees were selected to represent the observed range of light regimes under the influence of various aspen competition levels. At each sample pine, competition and stand measurements were made and a series of vertical canopy light measurements from the top to the base of the live crown. After an evaluation of a variety of competition indices, the index DRD; sum of the ratio of each of the three nearest neighbour's DBH to the subject pine divided by their distance and, amount of available light at the top of the crown (DIFN t) were found as the best overall predictors of pine stem volume growth. A site specific exponential relationship of relative pine stem volume growth to DRD was found and minimum growth response competition thresholds were determined, which could provide useful targets where maximizing pine volume is intended. Evaluation of both linear and non-linear models of DIFN t versus height growth indicated the response to be linear across the observed range of available light. Implications for management are discussed.