Relationships between coastal Douglas-fir site index and synoptic categorical measures of site quality

• Main Authors: Klinka, Karel, Carter, R. E. (Reid E.), Chourmouzis, Christine
• Language: English
• Published: Forest Sciences Department, University of British Columbia 2008
• Subjects: Climate; Douglas fir; Foliar nutrients; Forest productivity; Forest site quality; Site index; Regression analysis; Soil moisture; Soil nutrients; Tree diameter; Tree height; Western hemlock
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2429/682

Knowledge of ecological characteristics of trees, sites and tree growth on different sites is fundamental for silvicultural decision-making and planning. With the biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification in place, silvicultural management in British Columbia has been given an ecological foundation; however, relationships between growth and site have not yet been fully investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine how height growth of Douglas-fir within the drier portion of the CWH zone varies with site. We adopted site index (m @ 50 yr bh) as a species-specific measure of forest productivity, recognizing that it indicates height growth performance at a selected point in time. If forest productivity is correlated with ecological measures of site quality, what site factors should be used to quantify the relationships? Because of compensating effects, the numerous site factors can be reduced to four primary (synoptic) factors that directly affect plant establishment and growth: climate (light and temperature), soil moisture, soil nutrients, and soil aeration (not used in this study).