Mapping lodgepole pine site index in Alberta.

Monserud, R. A.; Huang, Shongming; Amaro, A.; Reed, D.; Soares, Paulo Valladares

doi:10.1079/9780851996936.0011

Cited by 4 publications

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“…In addition to confirming the importance of geographic variables, results from this study also indicate that (1) natural subregions are good pre- dictors and that (2) the addition of synoptic variables of soil moisture and nutrients explained only a minor component of the variation in site index. The results shown in Table 3 suggest that with every 100 m increase in elevation, lodgepole pine site index decreases about 0.6 m. This outcome is similar to that found by Monserud and Huang (2002). Lower temperature and shorter growing season at higher elevation (Table 1) is likely responsible.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 75%

“…In a recent study based on a large data set collected across the natural distribution range of lodgepole pine in Alberta, Monserud and Huang (2002) also found that geographic factors (elevation, latitude, longitude) were significant predictors of lodgepole pine site index. Using a much larger network of stem analysis plots (nearly 1000), they mapped lodgepole pine site index across Alberta with a thin-plate smoothing spline using only elevation, latitude, and longitude; root mean square residual was 1.16 m (Monserud and Huang 2002). Similarly, a study for inland Douglas-fir in northern Idaho and northwestern Montana, Monserud et al (1990) also reported that elevation together with latitude and longitude explained 39% of the total variation in site index.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, this link between site index and synoptic measures of site quality has not been evaluated and applied in Alberta. A recent site index mapping study (Monserud and Huang 2002) indicated that lodgepole pine site index can be predicted across Alberta as a function of geographic variables such as elevation, latitude and longitude. However, it is not clear if synoptic variables, especially for soil moisture and nutrient regimes, can improve upon the result.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Lodgepole pine site index in relation to synoptic measures of climate, soil moisture and soil nutrients

Wang¹,

Huang²,

Monserud³

et al. 2004

The Forestry Chronicle

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Lodgepole pine site index was examined in relation to synoptic measures of topography, soil moisture, and soil nutrients in Alberta. Data came from 214 lodgepole pine-dominated stands sampled as a part of the provincial permanent sample plot program. Spatial location (elevation, latitude, and longitude) and natural subregions (NSRs) were topographic variables that might be considered as synoptic measures of climate. Soil moisture regimes (SMRs) were used as synoptic measures of soil moisture supply. Soil nutrient regimes (SNRs) were used as synoptic measures of soil nutrient supply. Simple measures of geographic location (elevation, latitude, longitude) carried the most predictive power, explaining between 33% and 37% of the variation. Site index decreased with elevation, increased with latitude, and had a quadratic relationship with longitude. The Lower Foothills NSR had higher site index (16.1 m) than the Upper Foothills (14.0 m), Montane (11.8 m) and Subalpine (10.3 m) NSRs. Soil moisture regime variables were not significant. Soil nutrient regime variables were also not important, although one was significant in conjunction with elevation, latitude, and longitude (41% explained variation). Standard errors of estimate ranged between 2.64 and 2.94 m for the various synoptic models. Interaction terms between synoptic variables were examined but were found to be non-significant. Key words: site index, climate regime, soil moisture regime, soil nutrient regime, Pinus contorta

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 75%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Lodgepole pine site index in relation to synoptic measures of climate, soil moisture and soil nutrients

Wang¹,

Huang²,

Monserud³

et al. 2004

The Forestry Chronicle

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“…This is not to say that precipitation and winter temperatures are not important factors in the fundamental causes of lodgepole pine productivity. Based on the hand-drawn Alberta lodgepole pine distribution map from earlier work (Monserud and Huang 2003), 80% of the pixels (picture elements) were within the DI limits of 0.9-2.6 8CÁmm -1 . Next, the natural distribution of lodgepole pine was examined as a function of DI.…”

Section: ½1mentioning

confidence: 98%

Potential change in lodgepole pine site index and distribution under climatic change in Alberta

et al. 2008

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We estimated the impact of global climate change on lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. var. latifolia Engelm.) site productivity in Alberta based on the Alberta Climate Model and the A2 SRES climate change scenario projections from three global circulation models (CGCM2, HADCM3, and ECHAM4). Considerable warming is apparent in all three models. On average, the increases in mean GDD5 (growing degree-days >5 8C) are 18%, 38%, and 65% by the 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s, respectively. Change in precipitation is essentially nil. This results in proportional increases in dryness index. We used the dryness index to predict the potential future range and GDD5 to predict its potential productivity. Generally, lodgepole pine site index is predicted to increase steadily by 3 m for each 30-year period. Offsetting this increase is a large reduction in suitable area as drying increases. At first, the warming increases the potential range up to 67% by the 2020s but then shrinks from 34% to 58% of its current area by 2080. Such major changes will need to be considered when setting long-term forest management plans. The increased risk of both wildfire and insect outbreaks further compounds this planning problem, especially because these disturbance events can interact and further increase risk.Résumé : Nous avons estimé l'impact des changements climatiques sur la productivité de stations dominées par le pin tordu latifolié (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. var. latifolia Engelm.), en Alberta, en se basant sur le modèle climatique de l'Alberta et les projections du scénario de changements climatiques A2 SRES de trois modèles de circulation globale (CGCM2, HADCM3 et ECHAM4). Un réchauffement considérable est apparent dans les trois modèles. En moyenne, l'augmentation du nombre moyen de degrés-jours de croissance au dessus de 5 8C (DJC 5 ) est de respectivement de 18 %, 38 % et 65 % pour les années 2020, 2050 et 2080. Les changements de précipitation sont essentiellement nuls. Cette situation engendre une augmentation proportionnelle de l'indice d'aridité. Nous avons utilisé l'indice d'aridité pour prédire l'étendue potentielle future et le DJC 5 pour prédire la productivité potentielle. Généralement, l'indice de qualité de station du pin tordu devrait augmenter régulièrement de 3 m pour chaque période de 30 ans. Cette augmentation est compensée par une forte réduction de la superficie productive à mesure que l'aridité augmente. Dans un premier temps, le réchauffement augmente l'étendue potentielle jusqu'à 67 % vers les années 2020, mais la réduit par la suite pour atteindre 34 % à 58 % de la superficie actuelle vers 2080. Des changements aussi importants devront être considérés lors de l'élaboration de plans d'aménagement forestier à long terme. L'augmentation des risques de feu et d'épidémie d'insecte complique davantage ce problème de planification surtout parce que ces perturbations peuvent interagir entre elles et augmenter encore davantage les risques.[Traduit par la Rédaction]

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“…As these factors can be spatially linked, potential site productivity for a given tree species can be predicted and mapped at the landscape level (Gustafson et al 2003, Monserud andHuang 2003). Such flexibility makes the geocentric approach an attractive alternative over the phytocentric approach from the perspective of large-scale integrated planning and management of forest resources.…”

Section: The Geocentric Approachmentioning

confidence: 99%

An ecological land classification approach to modeling the production of forest biomass

Pokharel¹,

Dech²

2011

The Forestry Chronicle

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Forest site classification is a prerequisite to successful integrated forest resources planning and management. Traditionally, site classification has emphasized a phytocentric approach, with tools such as the site index having a rich and long history in forest site evaluation. The concept of site index was primarily devised to assess site productivity of an even-aged, single-species stand. Site index has been the primary method of forest site evaluation in support of management for traditional forest products. However, this method of site classification has been criticized as the needs, perspectives and social values of the public regarding forest management have changed the emphasis from timber production to multiplevalue forestry practices. There are alternative approaches to forest site classification that have the potential to meet the growing demands placed on forest information for inventory and modeling purposes. Ecological Land Classification (ELC), is a phytogeocentric approach that stratifies the landscape into ecologically meaningful units (ecosites) based on substrate characteristics, moisture regime and canopy composition. This approach offers a more holistic view of site productivity evaluation; however, until recently it has been difficult to acquire data to support widespread mapping of ecosites. Remote sensing technology along with predictive modeling and interpretive mapping techniques make the application of an ecosite-based approach at the forest landscape level possible. As forest management moves towards the consideration of a broader set of resources (e.g., woody biomass), there is an opportunity to develop new tools for linking forest productivity to the sustainable production of forest bioproducts with forest ecosites as a solid foundation for segmenting the landscape.Key words: forest site classification, site index, site productivity, Ecological Land Classification (ELC), ecosites, forest biomass, bioproducts RÉSUMÉLa classification des sites forestiers est un pré-requis au succès de la planification et de l'aménagement des ressources forestières. Habituellement, la classification des sites a mise en évidence une approche phytocentrique, comptant sur des outils comme l'indice de qualité de la station qui affiche un historique riche et durable de l' évaluation des sites forestiers. Le concept d'indice de la qualité de station a été établi principalement pour évaluer la productivité de la station dans le cas d'un peuplement équienne composé d'une seule espèce. L'indice de la qualité de station a été la principale méthode d' éva-luation d'un site forestier utilisée dans le cas de l'aménagement pour les produits forestiers traditionnels. Cependant, cette méthode de classification du site a fait l' objet de critiques compte tenu que les besoins, les perspectives et les valeurs sociales du public relativement à l'aménagement forestier ont réorienté l'accent mis sur la production de bois vers des pratiques forestières considérant les multiples valeurs du milieu. Il existe des approch...

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Mapping lodgepole pine site index in Alberta.

Cited by 4 publications

References 0 publications

Lodgepole pine site index in relation to synoptic measures of climate, soil moisture and soil nutrients

Lodgepole pine site index in relation to synoptic measures of climate, soil moisture and soil nutrients

Potential change in lodgepole pine site index and distribution under climatic change in Alberta

An ecological land classification approach to modeling the production of forest biomass

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