The Effect of Stand Structure and Stand Density on the Leaf Area - Sapwood Area Relationship of Lodgepole Pine

1989

S. 392-396

4 Abb., 3 Tab., 17 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200038954

The relationship of sapwood area to leaf area in lodgepole pine was examined across a variety of habitat types and stand densities in northwest Montana. No statistical differences were found between plots with regard to either habitat type or stand density. A nonlinear relationship was found between leaf area and sapwood area. Increasing amounts of sapwood were associated with a decrease in the leaf area - sapwood area ratio. A large amount of within-plot variation in the sapwood area - leaf area relationship was explained by differences between dominant trees and trees of other crown classes. Leaf area (LA) was best estimated by the equation LA = 0.12 x S - 0.0003 x S + 0.06 x S x D, where LA is leaf area, S is sapwood area, and D is the crown class (dominant). Differences between dominant and subdominant trees appear to be related to ring width and its associated permeability. Differences in sapwood area - leaf area equations among different studies may be due in part to differences in stand structure.