Long-term responses of tree and stand growth of young lodgepole pine to pre-commercial thinning and repeated fertilization

摘要: Abstract This study was designed to test the hypothesis that application of a range pre-commercial thinning (PCT) intensities and repeated fertilization would enhance 15-year growth increments lodgepole pine ( Pinus contorta var. latifolia ) crop trees at both tree stand levels. Study areas were located near Summerland Kelowna in south-central British Columbia, Canada. Each area had nine treatments: four pairs stands thinned densities ∼250 (very low), ∼500 (low), ∼1000 (medium), ∼2000 (high) stems/ha with one each pair fertilized five times 2-year intervals, an unthinned stand. Neither density nor treatments any significant effect on height growth. Mean diameter breast (17% increase), basal (BA) (28% volume (27% increase) per significantly enhanced by fertilization, but not affected density. Repeated BA (20% (18% increase)/ha level. Despite decrease resulting from PCT, statistically similar across treatments. Contributions non-crop total productivity appeared be substantial, particularly within heavily stands. Because provide majority all aboveground terrestrial carbon, they are important sink for atmospheric CO 2. Enhancing may adaptive advantages carbon sequestration help limit greenhouse gases as well resiliency forests subjected changing growing conditions due climate change.