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Effects of competition and climate variables on modelling height to live crown for three boreal tree species in Alberta, Canada

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Abstract

Using tree data from permanent sample plots and climate data from the ClimateWNA model, mixed-effects height to live crown (HTC) models were developed for three boreal tree species in Alberta, Canada: trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm.) and white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss). Three model forms, the Wykoff model, a logistic model and an exponential model, were evaluated for each species. Tree height was the most significant predictor of HTC and was used in all models. In addition, we investigated the effects of competition and climatic variables on HTC modelling. Height–diameter ratio and either total stand basal area or basal area of coniferous trees were used as competition measures in the models. Different climate variables were evaluated, and spring degree-days below 0 °C, mean annual precipitation and summer heat–moisture index were incorporated into the aspen, lodgepole pine and white spruce models, respectively. Site index was only significant in lodgepole pine models. Residual variances were modelled as functions of tree height to account for heteroscedasticity still present in the mixed-effects models after the inclusion of random parameters. Based on model fitting and validation results as well as biological realism, the mixed-effects Wykoff models were the best for aspen and white spruce, and the mixed-effects logistic model was the best for lodgepole pine.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the Alberta Government. The constructive comments and suggestions from the anonymous reviewers are appreciated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biometrics Unit, Forest Management Branch, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, 8th Floor, 9920-108 Street, Edmonton, AB, T5K 2M4, Canada

    Yuqing Yang & Shongming Huang

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  1. Yuqing Yang
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  2. Shongming Huang
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Correspondence to Yuqing Yang.

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Communicated by Arne Nothdurft.

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Yang, Y., Huang, S. Effects of competition and climate variables on modelling height to live crown for three boreal tree species in Alberta, Canada. Eur J Forest Res 137, 153–167 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10342-017-1095-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10342-017-1095-7

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