Bias in Leaf Area -- Sapwood Area Ratios and Its Impact on Growth Analysis in Lodgepole Pine
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Trees - Structure and Function
Publication Date
1988
Volume
2
Issue
2
Abstract
Two alternative estimators of individual tree leaf area (A1) area are used to derive estimates of leaf-area index (L) for 40 plots in Pinus contorta Dougl. stands. One estimator of A1 is based on the common assumption of a constant ratio between A1 and sapwood cross-sectional area at breast height (As). The second estimator of A1 accounts for tree-to-tree variation in the relation between A1 and As. The apparent relationship between stand growth and leaf-area index is strongly dependent on the way leaf area is estimated. When L is derived from a constant A1ratioAs ratio, stand growth appears to be strongly correlated with L. However, when L is based on estmates of A1 that account for tree-to-tree variation in the A1 — As relation, stand growth is seen to be only weakly related to L. Stand structure, quantified as percent live-crown, accounts for a great deal of the observed variation in leaf-area efficiency. These contrasting relationships illustrate the importance of unbiased estimates of L in interpreting the link between stand-level processes and leaf area.
First Page
104
Last Page
109
Recommended Citation
Dean, T.J., J.N. Long and F.W. Smith (1988). Bias in leaf area- sapwood area ratios and its impact on growth analysis in lodgepole pine. Trees, 2(2): 104-109.
Comments
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