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Media type:
E-Article
Title:
Tree Population Dynamics, Stand Structure and Species Composition in the Montane Virgin Forest of Vallibäcken, Northern Sweden
Contributor:
Hytteborn, Håkan;
Packham, John R.;
Verwijst, Theo
Published:
DR W. Junk Publishers, 1987
Published in:
Vegetatio, 72 (1987) 1, Seite 3-19
Language:
English
ISSN:
0042-3106
Origination:
Footnote:
Description:
The population dynamics of Betula pubescens and Picea abies in a boreal forest near Kvikkjokk, northern Sweden, are governed by a process of storm gap regeneration similar to the gap regeneration described for boreo-nemoral forests. Cumulative age distribution curves, interpreted as static survivorship curves, lead to a simple theory of differential survival based on properties of the species, i.e. shade tolerance and relative growth rate. The theory is sustained by diameter and height distributions and by the spatial distributions of logs and of trees in different life-phases. Species of the field and ground layers respond differentially to gap formation and the ensuing successional stages. Browsing by moose (Alces alces) may prevent tree species, mainly Sorbus aucuparia, Betula pubescens and Pinus sylvestris, from developing into a tree layer. The regeneration ability for tree species growing in a stand at 460 m a.s.l. is limited compared with the regeneration at 330 m a.s.l., and typical storm gap formation involving more than one tree seems to occur rarely if at all, while overthrown trees with exposed rootplates are uncommon. Spruce at 460 m a.s.l. shows also a lower growth rate and a lower height/diameter ratio compared to the lower situated stands.