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The influence of weather variation on regional growth of Douglas fir stands in the U.S. Pacific Northwest

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Abstract

In this paper we examine the influence of precipitation and temperature deviations on regional volume growth rates in even-aged, unmanaged second-growth Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) stands. Between 1969 and 1986, average volume growth rates in natural stands of coast Douglas fir in western Washington and Oregon were negatively correlated with high summer temperatures and positively correlated with higher temperatures during the non-growing season. Results support the hypothesis that cool wet summers and mild winters contribute to high productivity of conifers in the Pacific Northwest.

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Peterson, C.E., Heath, L.S. The influence of weather variation on regional growth of Douglas fir stands in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Water Air Soil Pollut 54, 295–305 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00298673

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