Theses and Dissertations
Issuing Body
Mississippi State University
Advisor
Roberts, D. Scott
Committee Member
Evans, L. David
Committee Member
Belli. L. Keith
Date of Degree
12-15-2007
Document Type
Graduate Thesis - Open Access
Major
Forestry
Degree Name
Master of Science
College
College of Forest Resources
Department
Department of Forestry
Abstract
Variable-density thinning (VDT) is a management option designed to increase structural heterogeneity in second-growth conifer stands. This study examined subcanopy tree growth response to two variations of VDT. At the Forest Ecosystem Study in western Washington, thinning intensity was found to have a significant effect on height growth of Douglasir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) seedlings which established following the thinning. At the Olympic Habitat Development Study in western Washington, basal area growth response was examined for residual midcanopy western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) and western redcedar (Thuja plicata ex. D. Don). Both species retained the ability to respond to thinning. The results of this study suggest that non-uniform thinning practices, like VDT, can lead to variation in growth response of residual subcanopy trees and new regeneration. This may accelerate the development of more structurally diverse forests than traditional management practices.
URI
https://hdl.handle.net/11668/15606
Recommended Citation
Comfort, Emily Julia, "Subcanopy response to variable-density thinning in second growth forests of the Pacific Northwest" (2007). Theses and Dissertations. 4140.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/4140
Comments
structural development||subcanopy||forest structure||variable-density thinning