Analyzing and modelling effects of climate on site productivity of white spruce plantations

Abstract

Effects of climate on site productivity of white spruce (Picea glauca) plantations were examined. Stem analysis data collected from 93 dominant or co-dominant white spruce trees sampled from 93 plots (1 tree/plot) in even-aged monospecific plantations on 31 sites (three plots/site) in the Canadian boreal forest region of Northern Ontario were used to examine effects of climate on site productivity and to develop stand height models. Site index was used as an estimate of site productivity. Effects of site and climate on site productivity were examined by regressing site index against site and climate variables. The site specific attributes explained 33% of the variability in site index for white spruce. Stand height models were then developed by incorporating climate variables. Climatic effects specifically those of projected increased warming and rainfall on stand height growth were evaluated by predicting stand heights for three randomly selected locations (in eastern, western, and southern Ontario) for ...