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作者

Rustem F. Albayrak;Christopher J. Post;Elena A. Mikhailova;Mark A. Schlautman;Hamdi A. Zurqani;Austin R. Green;Paul Minerva

来源

URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING,Vol.47,Issue1,Article 126517

语言

英文

关键字

Arboriculture;Counting rings;Core;Forest management;Geographic Information Systems (GIS);Increment borer;Recording resistance drill;Soil quality estimation;Tree age

作者单位

Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, SC, USA;Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, SC, USA;Department of Soil and Water Sciences, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya;Clemson University Facilities, Landscape Services, Clemson University, SC, USA;Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, SC, USA;Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, SC, USA;Department of Soil and Water Sciences, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya;Clemson University Facilities, Landscape Services, Clemson University, SC, USA

摘要

Conventional site index (tree height at base age) may not be suitable for urban trees, therefore it is important to assess its applicability in urban environments. In addition, rapid and non-destructive tree age evaluation methods need to be developed. The objectives of this study were to: (1) develop a rapid and non-destructive method to determine tree age in urban environments, (2) examine the relationship between tree height, age, location, and soil type, and (3) compare the measured site indices with traditional site indices reported in Soil Survey Geographic Database (SSURGO). The study was conducted at the Clemson Experimental Forest (CEF) using conventionally-managed loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) stands, and loblolly pines in the urban environment of the Clemson University campus (CUC). Tree age obtained with a recording resistance drilling method and stump tree ring counting were comparable (R2 = 0.98, n = 14). Tree age estimates from recording resistance drilling and from increment boring were also similar (R2 = 0.93, n = 25). Replicate drilling samples had a low standard deviation, which indicated the high precision of the methodology. An additional benefit of the recording resistance drilling method is the ability to enable rapid evaluation of tree age across an urban forest. There was no discernible relationship between tree height and recording resistance drill age estimate for loblolly pines on the CUC (n = 25). In contrast, there was a relationship between measured diameter at breast height (DBH, cm) and recording resistance drill age estimates. A portion of the loblolly pine trees in the urban environment on the CUC appeared to have reduced productivity, as measured by the height/age relationship when predominantly surrounded by pavement or grass areas.