A method of site quality evaluation for red alder.

Abstract

A field guide to predict site index for red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) was developed for use in western Washington and Oregon. The guide requires the user to evaluate 14 soil-site properties that are grouped into three general factors: (1) geographic and topographic position, (2) soil moisture and aeration during the growing season, and (3) soil fertility and physical condition. Construction of the guide was modeled after a method of site evaluation developed for several southern hardwood species. The red alder model is accurate when used properly. The correlation (r) between predicted and measured site index was 0.97 for the basic data set of 25 plots and 0.96 for the 15 plots used for verification. Estimated site index should be within ± 2 meters of measured site index 95 percent of the time. Use of a second independent data set for model verification resulted in a somewhat lower correlation (r = 0.89) between measured and predicted site index than was achieved with the original data set, but the model continued to meet the accuracy standard of ± 2 meters (p≤0.05). Abstract1 lntroduction 2 Field and Laboratory Methods 4 Model Construction 11 Model Validation

Utilization and management of red alder genetic resources in British Columbia

“…Assuming that site quality factors for red alder and conifers are largely the same as indicated by the work of Hanington (1986) and Harrington and Courtin (1994), site index curves for British Columbia (Mitchell 1988, Thrower andNussbaum 1991) imply that growth on poor sites is comparable to conifers. Rotation length for alder sawtimber is only reduced due to rapid juvenile growth under above-average site conditions (Fig.…”

“…It has been pointed out that red alder often fails to establish under the most favorable site conditions (Harrington et al 1994, Haeussler et al 1995. The problem is that red alder seed are very small and susceptible to desiccation, competing vegetation, and other factors that impede successful development into a seedling (Elliott and Tailor 198 la, 1981 b).…”

Red Alder-Conifer Stands in Alaska: An Example of Mixed Species Management to Enhance Structural and Biological Complexity

“…Its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen permits establishment on geologically young or disturbed sites with low levels of soil nitrogen [66]. Red alder is an important species for the hardwood industry in the Pacific Northwest [65,67] due to its excellent gluing, staining, and finishing properties.…”

“…It is a pioneer species, and requires high light levels to germinate and become established [65,66]. In Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia, mortality of red alder increases rapidly in stands over 90 years old, and few alder remains by the age of 130 years [69].…”

PPSITE - A New Method of Site Evaluation for Longleaf Pine: Model Development and User's Guide

“…The Baker-Broadfoot field guides were later made available in the form of a computer program (Harrington and Casson 1986). A similar approach to site evaluation was used by Harrington (1986) to develop. a field guide for predicting site index for red alder (Ahus rubru Bong.)…”