Gap capture in northern hardwoods: patterns of establishment and height growth in four species

摘要: Abstract We sought to determine whether four tree species that commonly coexist—American beech ( Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.), sugar maple Acer saccharum Marsh.), red rubrum L.), and yellow birch Betula alleghaniensis Britt.)—differed in their patterns of establishment gaps height growth after gap formation. Fifty-eight canopy trees were sampled experimentally created gaps, 44–48 years old, a northern hardwood forest at the Bartlett Experimental Forest, NH. Using stem analysis, we determined year origin each its pattern growth. Over two-thirds advance regeneration, while most stems established Red was mixture two. Beech had oldest time formation (5 out 18 over 20 age). No later than Species differed growth, with growing more slowly others immediately Beech, however, grew constant rate birch, approached heights these 30 tallest maintained 30-year period. In maple, individuals eventually faster caught up those establishing via regeneration.