Development of allometric leaf area models for intensively managed black walnut (Juglans nigra L.)

作者：Zellers Christopher E; Saunders Michael R^*; Morrissey Robert C; Shields Joshua M; Bailey Brian G; Dyer Jacob; Cook Jason

来源：Annals of Forest Science, 2012, 69(8): 907-913.

DOI：10.1007/s13595-012-0215-2

• Black walnut
• Leaf area
• Plantations
• Central Hardwood Region
• Hardwoods

Intensive plantation management of high-value hardwoods, such as black walnut (Juglans nigra L.), is focused on maximizing both stem form and growth at the stand and tree level. While significant research has focused on genetic improvement in black walnut, little is known about the production ecology of this species in plantation settings.
The aim of this study is to assess the applicability of nondestructive projected leaf area (PLA) estimation based on the pipe model theory in three single-aged J. nigra plantations representing discrete age classes ranging from 3 to 27 years of age.
Branch-level PLA was modeled as a function of branch basal cross-sectional area (R (2) = 0.875). Six nondestructive tree-level PLA models were assessed, with four models yielding R (2) > 0.90. Tree-level models performed well across age classes, with model fits comparable to previous studies in coniferous species.
This study demonstrates that allometric approaches to modeling leaf area distribution in hardwoods are feasible, but future efforts may need to use different sampling approaches and/or quantify variables that have not been significant in conifers. This study represents an important first step into more quantitative analysis of production ecology of deciduous species in the CHFR of the USA.

• 出版日期2012-11