A Quantitative Index of Forest Structural Sustainability

摘要: Forest health is a complex concept including many ecosystem functions, interactions and values. We develop quantitative system applicable to forest types assess tree mortality with respect stable structure composition. quantify impacts of observed on by comparison baseline mortality, then that distinguishes between structurally unstable forests. An empirical multivariate index structural sustainability threshold value (70.6) derived from 22 nontropical species’ datasets differentiated sustainable unsustainable diameter distributions. Twelve species populations were mean score 33.2 (median = 27.6). Ten 142.6 130.1). Among them, Fagus grandifolia, Pinus lambertiana, P. ponderosa, Nothofagus solandri attributable known disturbances; whereas the unsustainability Abies balsamea, Acer rubrum, Calocedrus decurrens, Picea engelmannii, rubens, Prunus serotina not. This approach provides ecological framework for rational management decisions using routine inventory data objectively: determine scope direction change in composition, excessive or insufficient compare disturbance time space, prioritize needs allocation scarce resources.