Effect of Stand Density on Growth and Allometry of Marri ( Corymbia Calophylla ) in the High Rainfall Zone of Southwest Western Australia

作者：Shes Kanta Bhandari, Erik J. Veneklaas, W. L. McCaw, Richard Mazanec, Michael Renton · 发表于：Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia · 年份：2023 · DOI：10.70880/001c.128231 · 被引用次数：2 · 研究领域：Pasture and Agricultural Systems、Forest ecology and management、Agroforestry and silvopastoral systems

Marri ( Corymbia calophylla ), an endemic and keystone tree species of southwest Western Australia (SWWA), provides significant environmental, conservation, economic and cultural values. This study aims to analyse the effect of stand density, manipulated through thinning, on growth and allometry of marri-dominated forest. Although individual tree diameter (DHBUB, diameter at breast height under bark), basal area, height and crown-width (CW) growth was stimulated by thinning, stand basal-area growth was highest in denser (less thinned) stands. Stand density had a significant effect on the allometry between DBHUB and each of height and height-diameter ratio (HDR). Height and CW increased with an increase in DBHUB although the relationship with CW was not statistically significant; HDR was inversely related to DBHUB. Thinning has the potential to increase yields of merchantable timber, firewood, and enhance ecological values including tree hollows for arboreal fauna and marri-fruit production (important for cockatoos) that depend on retention of sufficient large old trees. Reduction of stand density through thinning reduces inter-tree competition and may help in reducing the risk of marri canker disease.