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Catalog
of Long Term Research Conducted by the Northeastern Research Station
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Catalog #27
| Title: |
Density Study
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| Objective: |
To evaluate tree growth response to different silvicultural
treatments and varying stand structure. |
| Year Established: |
1964 |
| Year Completed: |
expected to continue |
| Site Description: |
Bartlett Experimental Forest. Prior to cutting, stand was
a second-growth northern hardwood stand primarily composed of
beech, red maple, and paper birch, with some sugar maple and
yellow birch, and a few white ash and other species. |
| Statistical Design: |
Randomized block design. 12 0.33-acre plots replicated 4 times
for a total of 48 plots each surrounded by a 50' wide treated
isolation strip and each given a separate treatment. Each plot
received a separate treatment. |
| Likelihood of Locating Study Areas: |
100% |
| Experimental Treatments: |
Each plot was assigned at random one of four stand densities
(100, 80, 60, and 40 square feet of basal area per acre in trees
> or = 4.5" d.b.h.). Within each level of residual stand density,
3 levels of residual stand structure were randomly assigned:
30%, 45%, and 60% sawtimber (trees > or = 10.5" d.b.h.).
Trees were originally removed: autumn, 1963; spring, 1964.
Trees were again removed at year 25: 1989. |
| Sampling Methods: |
Basal area growth is averaged for the 4 plots that received
each treatment and then placed on an annual basis for comparison
with gross growth, production, accretion, ingrowth, and mortality.
The diameter growth per tree was computed on an annual basis
by species for each treatment. The diameter growth per tree
was then computed separately for survivor trees, ingrowth trees,
and trees that died during the study. |
| Variables and Sampling Frequency: |
100% tally on all 0.33-acre plots:1964
Tree counts by species, tree height and maturity development:
1964, 1967, 1972, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1994.
Crown width and height: 1990.
Independent: residual basal area, residual basal area squared,
% sawtimber, and the interaction of residual basal area and
% sawtimber. Tree measurements include: d.b.h., height growth
and mortality: 1967, 1969, 1972, 1974, 1990. |
| QA/QC Practices: |
A battery operated recorder, with internal checks, was used
to record data in the field. Computer program in lab checks
data as it is entered. |
| Data Storage: |
Analyzed - 1 9-track tape in ASCII. |
| Global Change Research Applications: |
Studies of Ecosystem Processes |
| Data Availability: |
partially 1994 |
| Publications and Reports: |
Solomon, D. S. 1977. The influence of stand density and structure
on growth and northern hardwoods in New England. Res. Paper
NE-362. Upper Darby, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest
Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 13 p.
Leak, W.B.; Solomon, D.S. 1975. Influence of residual stand
density on regeneration of northern hardwoods. Res. Paper
NE-310. Upper Darby, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest
Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station.
Solomon, D.S. 1977. Growth rates of northern hardwoods under
uneven-age management. The Northern Logger and Timber Processor.
25(8):18, 38.
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| Contact: |
Linda Heath, USDA Forest Service, P.O. Box 640, Durham NH
03824. (603) 868-7666 |
| Cooperation: |
none |
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