Radial Growth Analysis (mm) Radial Growth Analysis (in millimeters) Basal Area Increment Analysis Sensitivity Analysis Tom counting rings on an Ailanthus cross section during dimension analysis studies.

 Radial Growth Analysis (in millimeters)

White ash had a high annual growth rate throughout the 25 years studied. Between 1985 and 1988 white ash had a significant decline in annual radial growth. Although the other species exhibit a similar pattern, white ash and sugar maple were affected most strongly.

 

The hickory species had the lowest annual growth and the most steady growth rate, fluctuating only between 1.5 and 2.5 mm., throughout the majority of the years analyzed.

 

As seen by the large fluctuations in annual radial growth, sugar maple is highly sensitive to environmental fluctuations (See sensitivity graphs). Between 1985 and 1988 sugar maple had a significant decline in annual radial growth. Although the other species exhibit a similar pattern, sugar maple and white ash appear to have been most strongly affected.

 

The large standard error seen in the measurement of oak rings may be due to the use of only 3 oak cores. Additionally, each core was a different oak species (white oak, red oak, and chestnut oak).

 

 

Only one red cedar core was analyzed and it was difficult to read due to the presence of many false rings. As observed in the above graph, the growth appears to be erratic. This most likely represents measurement errors and not the true growth pattern. This core also appears to contradict the common trend of a decrease in annual radial growth with time.

Methods of Ecosystem Analysis-Yale Forestry School

Date Last Modified: 4/22/99
F&ES 519B, Spring 1999