Abstract
ABSTRACT Relationships between tree size and density are important to define the growing space utilization in a stand. Although a universal slope for the maximum size-density relationships (MSDRs) has been previously suggested, recent research have highlighted that these relationships are species-specific. Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky), Trojan fir (Abies nordmanniana subsp.equi-trojani), black pine (Pinus nigra Arnold) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) represent different crown architecture, growth rate and shade tolerance; however, MSDRs have not been developed for these tree species in northern Turkey. In this study, average maximum density (DAM) slopes for these tree species were determined. Results suggested that MSDRs varied among the species, and that their slope differed from the universal slope of -1.605. The MSDRs described in this study are useful for managing stand density in natural stands of the species analyzed.
Highlights
Growth and productivity of an individual tree are generally associated with the available growing space, which can be described in terms of stand density (Krajicek et al, 1961; Zeide, 2005)
The relationship between tree size and their spatial density (i.e., maximum size-density relationships (MSDRs)) is crucial to describe stand growing space utilization (Lhotka and Loewenstein, 2008), and it has been a topic of research in forestry throughout the history (Cao et al, 2000)
Four economically important tree species of northern Turkey were compared in terms of their growing space utilization
Summary
Growth and productivity of an individual tree are generally associated with the available growing space, which can be described in terms of stand density (Krajicek et al, 1961; Zeide, 2005). The relationship between tree size and their spatial density (i.e., MSDRs) is crucial to describe stand growing space utilization (Lhotka and Loewenstein, 2008), and it has been a topic of research in forestry throughout the history (Cao et al, 2000). Understanding MSDRs helps silviculturists and forest managers manipulate available growing space, and enhance tree survival and growth (Lhotka and Loewenstein, 2008). Several stand density measures, including stand basal area (m2.ha-1), stand volume (m3.ha-1) and number of trees per unit area, have been widely used to help allocating growing space during forestry practices (Kara et al, 2017). It has been recommended that MSDRs should be taken into account in estimating the degree of site occupancy and growing space allocation (Comeau et al, 2010)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
