The effect of competition on individual tree basal area growth in mature stands of Pinus cooperi Blanco in Durango (Mexico)

• Published in: European journal of forest research Vol. 124; no. 2; pp. 133 - 142
• Main Authors: Rivas, J. J. Corral, González, J. G. Álvarez, Aguirre, Oscar, Hernández, F. J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Nature B.V 01.06.2005
• Subjects: Competition; Plant growth; Trees; Mexico
• ISSN: 1612-4669; 1612-4677
• DOI: 10.1007/s10342-005-0061-y

In this paper, we evaluated how well-selected distance-dependent and distance-independent competition indices explain individual tree basal area growth of trees, growing in mature and even-aged stands of Pinus cooperi Blanco. A total of 18 competition measures were analyzed of which six do not need tree location (distance-independent) and 12 that utilize tree location (distance-dependent). The competition situation of a stand and/or an individual tree was studied using 11 different competitor selection methods. The mean square error reduction relative to no-competition was used to judge the performance of each competition index. It was found that the best distance-independent competition indices performed as well as the best distance-dependent competition indices. It was concluded that the BALMOD-index would be a good competition index to be incorporated into further individual tree basal area growth models for the study area.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]