Release potential of giant sequoia following heavy suppression: 20-year results

摘要: We tested the release potential of suppressed giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) saplings in a plantation that was overgrown with shrubs at Blodgett Forest Research Station, CA mixed conifer forest Sierra Nevada. As an ancillary case study, we compared shrub removal method clear-and-plant adjacent stand. Measurements various morphological traits were collected prior to removal, then sapling height growth response measured periodically after treatment. In general, responded quickly competing shrubs, growing steadily for 20 years following Among considered, live crown ratio alone most important factor predicting relative Other correlated release, but had lower importance values as indicated by model selection procedure. The 16-year-old released this study did not grow large 2-year-old seedlings planted synchronously both methods resulted merchantable-sized trees Planted outgrew 27% terms stature and 37% diameter. stand is projected take 12 longer than average diameter 38 cm. misperception having low capacity may be related its ambiguous categorization shade intolerant species.