The radial growth-competition relationship in Picea abies stands affected by windfall

Abstract

Actual status of mountain forests especialy, of Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst. (L)) stands is a result of combined action between forest management measures and biotic and abiotic risk factors. In this context, tree growth dynamics is a result of multifactor interaction (competition, disturbance, management practice, climate etc.). Wind damage affect the stand structure and normal ecosystem functions including the relationship between individual tree growth and competition processes. Though, it is recorded a diminishing of productive capacity for affected stands as well as a significant diameter increment for remaining standing trees. The correlation between tree growth (cumulate basal area increment in the last 10 years) and competition (Hegyi and Schutz competition indices) was analysed in stands with different windfall intensity. No relationship between tree growth and competition was observed in highly affected stands. Schutz competition index explains better individual tree growth comparing with Hegyi index in low or no-affected stand by windthrow. The variability of the basal area increment (lnΔɡ 10 ), explained by competition indices, is rather low (<2%) in the stand that had been highly affected by windfall, regardless of the selected competition index. Thus, significant reduction of the stand density related to number of trees (low density), as a consequence of high intensity windfalls, crown competition has a very small influence on the basal area increment comparing with situations met in low (high density) and moderate (medium density) affected stands.