Aspen Bibliography
Effects of opening size and stand characteristics on light transmittance and temperature under young trembling aspen stands
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Forest Ecology and Management
Volume
200
First Page
119
Last Page
128
Publication Date
2004
Abstract
While aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) cover provides protection from growing season radiative frosts, reduced light levels can limit growth of understory white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss). The creation of openings around individual spruce can provide more light, but the chance of radiative frost damage increases as gaps become larger. We examined the relationship between opening size and light and temperature levels in the center of circular gaps created in young aspen stands ranging from 1.8 to 8 m tall. Models for predicting transmittance as a function of sky view factor and transmittance under intact stands are presented. Results indicated a strong relationship between light levels and opening size after considering pre-treatment light levels. The relationship between opening size and temperature was weak with minimum temperatures being more affected by the height and density of the surrounding stand than opening size.
Recommended Citation
Pritchard, Janet M. and Comeau, Philip G., "Effects of opening size and stand characteristics on light transmittance and temperature under young trembling aspen stands" (2004). Aspen Bibliography. Paper 80.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/aspen_bib/80