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Individual tree diameter at breast height (DBH) distribution is an important information for forest management planning. Forest managers obtain the DBH data either by field measurements or estimations using predictive models. However, probability distribution models are still lacking or need improvement. Therefore, we aimed to construct and fit diameter distribution models that reflect forest structure and composition change. We evaluated gamma, log-normal, and Weibull probability distribution functions (PDFs) for two commercially important tree species, black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill) B.S.P.) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb), grown in natural stands across Ontario, Canada. We modelled the parameters of the distributions as a function of stand-level variables for these species. We used DBH data from 735 permanent sample plots. Our results showed that all three evaluated PDFs reflected observed DBH distribution. We demonstrated that the moment-based recovered parameters could represent the maximum likelihood-estimated parameters precisely, and parameters of the PDFs can be modelled as a function of stand-level dynamic covariates. The models unbiasedly predicted the PDF parameters DBH means and DBH classes. The R2 of the model fit ranged between 0.35 and 0.98 for the predicted parameters and 0.90 and 0.97 for the predicted DBH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-industrial wood ash may be an effective forest soil nutrient supplement but its use in Canada is largely restricted because of unknown concentrations of trace metal contaminants. Sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marshall) is particularly sensitive to low soil calcium (Ca) levels, and though maple syrup is of great economic importance in Canada, it is unknown how wood ash could affect sap chemistry. Non-industrial wood ash (NIWA; 6 Mg·ha−1) applied to experimental plots in Muskoka, Ontario was rich in Ca (27%), while metal concentrations were well below provincial regulatory limits. One-year post-application, significant increases were observed in the treated plots in the soil pH and base cations (Ca, K, and Mg) in the surface soil horizons, and metal concentrations in the litter. Sap yield in the control plots was significantly lower in the first-year post-application than in the second year, but no other differences were found. In both tapping years, sap sweetness remained similar and differences in nutrient and metal concentrations between treatments were generally small and inconsistent. Foliar chemistry remained largely unchanged 1 year following application, except for K that was twice as high in the treated plots. Ultimately, NIWA is unlikely to significantly alter sugar maple sap chemistry, indicating that it is a viable nutrient supplement that can enhance soil fertility in sugar bushes with no impact on sap sweetness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents further discussion of a study concerning the effects of fire suppression in the boreal forest in Ontario. Impact of suppression on fire size; Evidence on the increase in the fire-return interval; Disclosure on the average annual burn fractions for protected and unprotected forests.

The 20-year successional development of understory vegetation was investigated in jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) and black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) plantations in northern Ontario, in relation to stand species composition, species diversity, and the rate of change in stands of different post-disturbance ages. Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) ordination of plantation stands using species composition data from 1978 and 1998 indicated variation among stands in directions and rates of change in species composition over time. Rank correlations of environmental variables with the DCA axes suggested a light–moisture gradient along the first axis, driven by soil texture and overstory species, and a gradient representing time since disturbance and stand development along the second axis. Although overall beta diversity among stands remained constant over time, some convergence was found among a smaller group of stands, and divergence was noted between spruce and pine stands. Species composition also became more highly correlated with environmental variables through time. From 1978 to 1998, species richness increased in young, dry pine stands; decreased in older, dry pine stands; and decreased in young spruce stands. The understory vegetation in stands on mesic sites was more diverse than that on dry, sandy sites at both times. The rate of change in understory species composition slowed with time after disturbance, indicating an increasing stability in micro en vi ron men tal conditions as the influence of harvesting disturbance became weaker with time.Le développement sur une période de 20 ans de la succession de la végétation de sous-étage a été étudié dans des plantations de pin gris (Pinusbanksiana Lamb.) et d'épinette noire (Piceamariana (Mill.) BSP) situées dans le Nord de l'Ontario en lien avec la composition en espèces du peuplement, la diversité des espèces et le taux de changement dans des peuplements d'âge différent issus de perturbations. L'ordination des plantations par l'analyse de correspondance en utilisant les données de composition en espèces de 1978 et de 1998 indiquait une variation entre les peuplements dans la direction et le taux de changement dans la composition en espèces en fonction du temps. Les corrélations de rang des variables environnementales avec les axes associés à l'analyse de correspondance suggèrent l'ex istence d'un gradient de lumière et d'humidité le long du premier axe, déterminé par les espèces de l'étage dominant et la texture du sol, ainsi qu'un gradient représentant le développement du peuplement et le temps écoulé depuis la perturbation le long du deuxième axe. Bien que dans l'ensemble la diversité bêta parmi les peuplements soit demeurée constante dans le temps, une certaine convergence a été observée parmi un plus petit groupe de peuplements et une divergence a été notée entre les peuplements d'épinette et de pin. Avec le temps, la composition en espèce est également devenue plus étroitement corrélée avec les variables environnementales. De 1978 à 1998, la richesse en espèces a augmenté dans les jeunes peuplements secs de pin et a diminué dans les plus vieux peuplements secs de pin et les jeunes peuplements d'épinette. La végétation de sous-étage dans les peuplements sur des stations mésiques était plus diversifiée que sur les stations sèches et sableuses aux deux moments. Le taux de changement dans la composition en espèces de sous-étage a diminué avec le temps après la perturbation, reflétant la stabilité croissante des conditions en vironnementales à mesure que l'influence de la perturbation due à la récolte s'atténuait.[Traduit par la Rédaction] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the spatial and temporal patterns associated with canopy interception, throughfall and net forest water along a black spruce topo-sequence situated in northwestern Ontario. Detection of downward shifts in the potential of hydrogen ions for throughfall; Demographic profile of the study area; Modal conditions for three discrete vegetative communities.

Quantifies the relationship between mean age and net primary productivity (NPP) of black spruce stands in Ontario using practical methodology. Definition of mean age-NPP relationship; Approach in reducing uncertainty in NPP estimates; Possibility of measuring NPP components.

Examines the influence of root and butt rots on windfall and mortality of residual trees following partial cutting in Ontario. Measurement of decay at stump level made on cross-sectional discs; Use of laboratory culturing procedures in identifying causal fungi; Association between root rot and windfall.

Analyzes the effects of silvicultural disturbances on cryptogam diversity in the boreal-mixedwood forest in Ontario. Essence of cryptogams in forest ecosystem and diversity; Conifer release treatments performed; Contribution of forest management in the loss of species and species diversity from forest ecosystems.

Investigates the species, geographic distribution, host range and site relationships Armillaria in Ontario. Identification of species by polymerase chain reaction and diploid-haploid pairings; Preference for calcareous soils; Association between Armillaria species and soil texture.