A model of stand allometry and biomass allocation during the self-thinning process

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Abstract
A growth model is developed to describe the relationship between any measure of size and number of stems in even-aged, monospecific plant populations during self-thinning. The model is tested on red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) seedlings and red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) stands grown over a range of site qualities and initial spacings. Allometric relationships between plant dimensions are shown to change over time, finally approaching a stable value defined by a generalized self-thinning rule. Because of unique intraspecific plant geometry, allometric relationships appear to be more consistent within than between species. The priorisation for red alder biomass allocation with stand development was as follows (P < 0.05); branches > stem .gtoreq. leaves .gtoreq. root .gtoreq. nodules. For red pine the slope and intercept of the maximum size-density line were greater (P < 0.05) for merchantable versus total stem volume. A new approach for constructing stand density programs is presented.