A Windthrow-risk Estimation for Coniferous Trees

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Abstract
A method of windthrow-risk estimation for young coniferous trees is proposed in this paper. This estimation is deduced from stem bending theory. Fourteen pairs, each containing one dominant and one suppressed tree, were measured m a 15-year-old Scots pine thicket. Total length of needled branches and stem diameter in the middle of inter-whorl sections were measured for each whorl of each tree. The data were used to evaluate and compare growth strategy risk for dominant and overtopped trees in the thicket. The strategies were found to be qualitatively different. The suppressed tree growth strategy was dependent on that of the dominant tree. Certain indices of ‘shelter effect’ for suppressed tree were also found.

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