The relation between size and density in developing stands: Adescription and possible mechanism

Authors

James N. Long, Utah State UniversityFollow
F. W. Smith

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

For. Ecol. & Management

Volume

7

Publication Date

1-1-1984

First Page

191

Last Page

206

Abstract

A description of stand development is presented which incorporates several ecological concepts, including: full-site occupancy; self-thinning; and the relation between the number and average size of plants in the population. Each of these concepts is integrated by a general size-density model. It is suggested that stands which are undergoing self-thinning are those which have achieved an upper limit in the amount of foliage supported. It is postulated that the predictable size-density relations in self-thinning populations can be explained on the basis of regulation and redistribution of a fixed amount of foliage among a declining number of larger individuals.

Recommended Citation

Long, J.N. and F.W. Smith. 1984. The relation between size and density in developing stands: A description and possible mechanism. For. Ecol. and Management 7:191-206.