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Density, biomass, productivity, and nutrient-cycling changes during stand development in wave-regenerated balsam fir forests

Journal Article · · Ecol. Monogr.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/1942660· OSTI ID:5524916

The wave-regenerated balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) forests of the northeastern US are uniquely suited for studies of ecosystem changes following natural disturbance. The author describes changes in a variety of population and ecosystem parameters through the course of stand development in the high-altitude fir forests. The paper reviews 11 years of study of the change in tree shape and crowning, stand density, the rate of self-thinning, aboveground biomass productivity, nutrient content and accumulation, and nutrient cycling. The author concludes that increased meteorologic inputs of nitrogen and acid in the high-altitude fir forests may have altered the natural nutrient cycles of the preindustrial era. 93 references, 9 figures, 8 tables.

Research Organization:
Michigan State Univ., East Lansing
OSTI ID:
5524916
Journal Information:
Ecol. Monogr.; (United States), Journal Name: Ecol. Monogr.; (United States) Vol. 54:2; ISSN ECMOA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English