Competition in old growth Pinus resinosa in relation to basal area, growth rate, and biomass.

Abstract

This study focuses on relative growth rate, percent basal area, distance and biomass in relation to Pinus resinosa competition in the Pellston Plain, Northern Michigan. We ask how the proportion of tree basal area in an old growth P. resinosa plot affects growth rate, and how biomass changes over time. We measured these variables and compared to previous data collections from 1942-1999. P. resinosa RGRs are negatively correlated with basal area coverage at certain time intervals as a result of increased competitive stress with increased density. Total above ground biomass increases over time until 2011 as a result of high mortality. These findings contribute to the scientific understanding of the Pellston Plain, specifically regarding competitive interactions and their effects on biomass, relative growth rate, and proportion of basal area of a mature P. resinosa stand.