Progress and achievements: the first decade April 2000-March 2010 - Foothills Growth and Yield Association.

摘要

The Foothills Growth and Yield Association aims to expand understanding of lodgepole pine's growth patterns in natural and regenerated stands, and develop tools for applying this knowledge in forest management. During the last 10 years, our research has produced the following results: Regenerated stand performance is more predictable than originally thought. Ingress of natural regeneration often continues beyond the establishment survey stage, and planting may be unnecessary. Mean annual temperature rose in the study area by 0.8掳C in the past 25 years. If this trend continues, mortality rates could double within 20 years. Tending and spacing are beneficial on some sites, but elsewhere can increase access by damage agents and limit the number of crop trees. Fertilization and thinning may increase productivity, but may also increase susceptibility to pathogens and extreme climate events. Higher site indices are observed in managed stands compared to fire-origin stands. Using this research, the Association has developed preliminary models for both planted and naturally regenerated lodgepole pine, and a preliminary decision support tool for Mountain Pine Beetle post-infestation stand management. In the next five years, trial measurement and analysis will continue to yield data and knowledge critical to lodgepole pine management in Alberta.