The relationship between tree growth patterns and likelihood of mortality: A study of two tree species in the Sierra Nevada
Canadian Journal of Forest Research
By: A.J. Das, J. J. Battles, N.L. Stephenson, and P. J. van Mantgem
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Abstract
We examined mortality of Abies concolor (Gord. & Glend.) Lindl. (white fir) and Pinus lambertiana Dougl. (sugar pine) by developing logistic models using three growth indices obtained from tree rings: average growth, growth trend, and count of abrupt growth declines. For P. lambertiana, models with average growth, growth trend, and count of abrupt declines improved overall prediction (78.6% dead trees correctly classified, 83.7% live trees correctly classified) compared with a model with average recent growth alone (69.6% dead trees correctly classified, 67.3% live trees correctly classified). For A. concolor, counts of abrupt declines and longer time intervals improved overall classification (trees with DBH ≥20 cm: 78.9% dead trees correctly classified and 76.7% live trees correctly classified vs. 64.9% dead trees correctly classified and 77.9% live trees correctly classified; trees with DBH <20 cm: 71.6% dead trees correctly classified and 71.0% live trees correctly classified vs. 67.2% dead trees correctly classified and 66.7% live trees correctly classified). In general, count of abrupt declines improved live-tree classification. External validation of A. concolor models showed that they functioned well at stands not used in model development, and the development of size-specific models demonstrated important differences in mortality risk between understory and canopy trees. Population-level mortality-risk models were developed for A. concolor and generated realistic mortality rates at two sites. Our results support the contention that a more comprehensive use of the growth record yields a more robust assessment of mortality risk.
Suggested Citation
Das, A., Battles, J., Stephenson, N., van Mantgem, P.J., 2007, The relationship between tree growth patterns and likelihood of mortality: A study of two tree species in the Sierra Nevada: Canadian Journal of Forest Research, v. 37, no. 3, p. 580-597, https://doi.org/10.1139/X06-262.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | The relationship between tree growth patterns and likelihood of mortality: A study of two tree species in the Sierra Nevada |
| Series title | Canadian Journal of Forest Research |
| DOI | 10.1139/X06-262 |
| Volume | 37 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Year Published | 2007 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Canadian Science Publishing |
| Description | 18 p. |
| First page | 580 |
| Last page | 597 |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Other Geospatial | Sierra Nevada |