Maximum size-density relationships in mixed-species and monospecific stands of the southeastern United States

Author

Maxwell Robert Schrimpf, Mississippi State UniversityFollow

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Polinko, Adam

Committee Member

Himes, Austin

Committee Member

Renninger, Heidi

Date of Degree

8-8-2023

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Forestry

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Forest Resources

Department

Department of Forestry

Abstract

Maximum size-density relationships (MSDR) are used to quantify differences across sites in the number of trees of a given size and species that can be supported per hectare. These relationships are important to managers who are trying to maximize basal area and wood volume. In my study, I examined MSDR across Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi using US Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data. I determined the impact of species-specific, specific gravity, functional traits, and environmental factors on MSDR using a quantile regression approach. Overall, I found that climatic factors had the greatest influence on MSDR, and that species shade and drought tolerance were more influential than specific gravity across the southeastern US.

Recommended Citation

Schrimpf, Maxwell Robert, "Maximum size-density relationships in mixed-species and monospecific stands of the southeastern United States" (2023). Theses and Dissertations. 5954.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/5954