DBH growth model for Pinus densiflora and Quercus variabilis mixed forests in central Korea
Woo-Kyun Lee, Klaus von Gadow, Dong-Jun Chung,Jong-Lak Lee, Man-Yong Shin 
Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 136-701, South Korea
Institut für Forseinrichtung und Ertragskunde, Göttingen University, Büsgenweg 5, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
Division of Life Science, Kyounghee University, YoungIn-Gun, Kyounggi-Do 449-701, South Korea
Department of Forest Science, Kookmin University, Seoul 136-702, South Korea
Received 12 August 2002; received in revised form 31 October 2003; accepted 23 November 2003

 

Abstract: This study presents an individual tree diameter at breast height (dbh) growth model for mixed Pinus densiflora (Red pine) and Quercus variabilis (Oak) uneven-aged stands in central region of Korean peninsula. The different model components, including the effects of tree age, tree size, competition and growing site are evaluated for both Red pine and Oak. The aim is to understand and model the individual growth patterns of the two species. Based on sensitivity analysis of radial growth using a variety of combinations of independent variables, the conclusion could be reached that the size and aspect components have a positive effect on radial growth, while the other variables such as age, competition index, elevation, and slope have a negative influence. All model component effects, except the effect of elevation, are greater in pine than in Oak, indicating that Red pine is relatively less suppressed than Oak in the study area. Among the topographic variables, slope appears to be an important critical factor for Red pine. For Oak, elevation is the primary critical factor and other variables have no great effect. These interrelationships between radial growth and the age, size, competition, and site variables correspond quite well with ecological expectations and silvicultural experience of the two species in Korea.

 

Keywords: Individual tree; dbh growth model; Mixed stand; Uneven-aged stand; Pinus densiflora; Quercus variabilis