Effects of diameter distribution on the growth of simulated uneven-aged sugar maple stands

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Abstract
Effects of diameter distribution on the growth of simulated uneven-aged sugar maple (Acersaccharum Marsh.) stands are described using output from a computer simulation model. Results indicate that the combination of q ratio (a constant ratio between the numbers of trees present in adjacent diameters over the entire range of size classes present), maximum tree size, and basal area should vary depending on management objectives and cutting cycle length. A ratio of 1.2 appears best for describing a diameter distribution to maximize growth of large sawtimber, but larger q ratios are needed in the sapling and pole size classes to insure sufficient numbers of trees to sustain the distribution through the end of a cutting cycle. Retaining trees larger than a 40 cm diameter at breast height offers no advantage when objectives stress maximum volume production. A 50 cm maximum tree size appears better suited for maximizing large sawtimber volume and value growth, but a 40 cm maximum will yield a better compound rate of return on initial stand value. Under all options, longer cutting cycles require lower initial basal area levels.

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