The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of spatially changed site conditions in the growth of Scots Pines (Pinus sylvestris). Emphasis is placed on the analysis of spatial and temporal reaction patterns of individual trees as well as stands. First, regional growth differences of Scots Pines are to be investigated and defined by location factors (spatial reaction pattern). The identification and quantification of possible changes in growth and yield potential (temporal reaction pattern) follows in a second step. The type and extent of determined growth trends as a function of current site conditions (spatial and temporal reaction patterns) are to be described here. Furthermore, possible reactions of Scots Pines in changed climates are examined. Data base for the analyses are the survey results of roughly 9,000 inventory points in pure pine stands from the permanent sample inventory of the Bavarian Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (of those, 2,000 plots with repetition inventory). The data sets from 22 plots examined over the long term and some 1,900 single tree analyses were also used. Thus, a reliable base for structure, current performance and growth trends for Scots Pines was available. Different methodical approaches were applied using this extensive material data. Along with the description of the data by average values, an appropriate function is applied to describe in particular the height development and volume increase. By modifying this function local influences can be taken into consideration. Additionally, the influence of stand density in regard to the volume increase is included. The effect of some local parameters on the course of height development is described with the help of statistical methods. The identification and the quantification of growth trends is based on three different methodical approaches. First is the comparison of the observed stand values with the expected values of the WIEDEMANN yield table (1943, moderate thinning). Then there is the comparison of growth behavior in the period 1961 to 2000 with the growth processes in the period of the 1900 to 1960. The third method is the analysis of radial increase in different calendar time frames (method of the constant age). In order to gain insight of the growth potential of Scots pine in current conditions, growth projections are executed using the forest growth simulator SILVA 2.2. The site sensitivity of this simulator enables the realistic representation of typical regional growth behaviour. This instrument also can be used to quantify possible future reactions to climatic changes by Scots Pines. The results of all applied methods provides clear indication for positive growth trends which can only be caused by spatial factors. The tree height development in all examined regions shows a clear rise in the comparison to the WIEDEMANN yield table (1943, moderate thinning) starting in the 60's. The site class of present young stands is about 1.2 to 2.7 levels above the site classes of current mature stands. The deviations of the volume increment increases from the yield table (WIEDEMANN, 1943, moderate thinning) can amount to 200%. Compared to the period until 1960 the growth of Scots Pine during the last four decades produces an average increase of 2.5 VfmD/ha/a with determined stand density. Volume increments of up to 6-10 VfmD/ha/a can still be attained at 120 years of ages. Over the last 10 years the increment values of stands with a yield table related density of 1.0 clearly exceed the first site class in all age groups. This positive growth trend is found in all regions although starting level and extent differ in all regions. The starting level is all the more higher, the better the sites of the respective region are represented. The positive growth trend is stronger pronounced where the quality of the site conditions is worse. The largest site class increases in height development are found in regions with unfavourable initial conditions, for example nutrient-poor parent rocks or formerly scattered usage (e.g. in the 'Upper palatinate' basin). The negative growth trend on individual sample plots shows that the spatial influence factors can be overridden by local stand conditions. The values of the basal area and standing volume differ clearly in the examined regions, where the different silvicultural practises represent a further important variable. Untreated sample plots show the potential growth of Scots Pine with base area values up to 50 qm/ha and a standing volume of 700 VfmD/ha at an age of 140 years. The results of the study offer a solid base for planning in forest economical practice. In regions with clear positive growth trend the consequences can result in full utilization of the site improvement by transition to higher stand densities, rise of the amounts harvested or extension of the site-dependent tree species spectrum.
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The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of spatially changed site conditions in the growth of Scots Pines (Pinus sylvestris). Emphasis is placed on the analysis of spatial and temporal reaction patterns of individual trees as well as stands. First, regional growth differences of Scots Pines are to be investigated and defined by location factors (spatial reaction pattern). The identification and quantification of possible changes in growth and yield potential (temporal reaction pa...
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