The influence of compositional and structural diversity on forest productivity

Abstract

Data from ∼1500 ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa C. Lawson) stands in the western United States were used to examine the potential influence of compositional and structural diversity on forest productivity. Relative density, height and site quality were combined in a conceptually sound expression of the relationship between growth and growing stock for ponderosa pine-dominated stands of relatively simple structure. Predictions from this model were compared with productivity of more compositionally and structurally diverse stands. Our results are consistent with the common observation in forest production ecology that stand growth is not strongly influenced by either compositional or structural diversity. © 2010 Institute of Chartered Foresters, All rights reserved.