Examining growth relationships in Quercus stands: An application of individual-tree models developed from long-term thinning experiments

摘要: Abstract This manuscript seeks to further the understanding of growth patterns in Quercus forests, thereby informing development appropriate thinning practice. The author leveraged a network experiments established by US Forest Service more than 50 years ago. Individual-tree diameter and survival models were developed along with simulation framework evaluate relationship between stand stocking 20-year basal area volume growth. Models predicting five-year individual trees included variables representing tree size, competitive position, density, and/or site quality. Model evaluation focused on collective accuracy cumulative error propagation individual-tree through four, cycles. Through series density simulations white oak ( alba L.) dominated forest structures four mid-rotation age conditions, it was found that total followed unimodal pattern culminating at 50–60% stocking. Sawtimber sensitive initial age, level where peaked increased increasing age. study not only helps define relationships for stands Central Hardwood Region, USA, but also adds limited body research quantifying within mixed species broadleaf types.