Variation in leaf area index in complex mixed-conifer forests in California’s Sierra Nevada: implications for stocking control

The mixed-conifer forests in California’s Sierra Nevada include species from several genera (Pinus, Abies, Pseudotsuga, Calocedrus and Sequoiadendron). These forests have complex disturbance regimes dominated by low to moderate severity fire that often resulted in patchy spatial patterns and multiaged stands. Leaf area index (LAI) describes the total leaf surface area per unit area in a forest community and is related to wood and biomass production and ecosystem values such as water usage, water yields and carbon sequestration. LAI can also serve as a representation of growing space occupancy and the basis for stocking control, including in multiaged stands. Nine study sites were sampled with 22–37 0.05 ha plots per study site to estimate LAI and other metrics. LAI was highest in study sites with greater proportions of shade tolerant Abies and Calocedrus species and on higher productivity sites. Recent drought-related mortality has reduced stocking and LAI. The combination of fire suppression and timber harvest over the past century has resulted in stands with higher densities, and greater proportions of shade tolerant species. Managing these structures to restore their presettlement character will involve reducing overall stocking, increasing proportions of intolerant species and increasing fine-scale heterogeneity. LAI allocation—allocating leaf area to age classes, species or canopy strata—can be used to design new structures that resemble presettlement structures and are resilient to disturbances.