A spatial model for the diameter of thickest branch of Scots pine.

• Main Authors: Pukkala, Timo, Karsikko, Jari, Kolström, Taneli
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Finnish Society of Forest Science 1992-01-01
• Series: Silva Fennica
• Online Access: https://www.silvafennica.fi/article/5490

The model predicts the base diameter of the thickest living branch of a tree growing in a planted or naturally regenerated even-aged stand. A mixed model type was used in which the residual variation was divided into within-stand and between-stand components. The study material consisted of 779 trees measured in 12 plots located in 20 to 35 years old Scots pine ( L.) stands (breast height age 10 to 20 years). Branch diameter was closely connected to the breast height diameter of the stem. In a stand of a certain age, competition by close neighbours slightly decreased branch diameter in a given diameter class. According to the model, the greatest difference is between trees subjected to very little competition and those subjected to normal competition. The model was used in simulated stands with varying age, density, and tree arrangement. The simulations showed that trees with rapid diameter growth at young age had thicker branches at a given breast height diameter than trees with slower diameter growth. However, a very slow growth rate did not produce trees with branches thinner than those possessing a medium growth rate. The PDF includes an abstract in Finnish.Pinus sylvestris