Tree height distribution dynamics in young naturally regenerated study plots

Abstract

Abstract Growth assessment of young stands gives the possibility of assessing forest site potential, tree species-dependent competition and developing realistic predictions for the following periods. The study is conducted in naturally regenerated broadleaves dominated stands in 2005 at Järvselja Training and Experimental Forest Center. The current study material is collected from 9 study plots established in three forest stands (regeneration felling years respectively 1996, 2000 and 2002). The study plots were re-measured 4–6 times respectively between the years of 2006 and 2012. The Weibull distribution function fit for empirical height distributions in consecutive years was tested and the estimated Weibull parameters were analysed. Results indicate that empirical height distributions of young regenerated forests do not fit well to theoretical distributions, but in many cases, empirical and theoretical distribution are similar. The Weibull distribution shape parameter was related to the maximum height and range of the height, and the scale parameter was related to the mean, quadratic mean and median height.