Model for forecasting the effects of SO/sub 2/ pollution on growth and succession in a western coniferous forest

Technical Report · Tue Jan 06 04:00:00 EST 1981

OSTI ID:6709792

Kercher, J R; Axelrod, M C

A forest succession simulator has been developed for the mixed conifer forest type of the Sierra Nevada, California (seven major species) by extensively modifying a northeastern US simulator. The model simulates growth including the development in time of dbh, height, leaf area index, and available light for each tree. Recruitment and mortality are modeled stochastically. Modificatons include the introduction of fire ecology and the use of temporal seed crop patterns and seedling survival factors unique to Sierra Nevada forests. Pollutant impacts are currently being modeled as an effect on tree growth. The model simulates community dynamical and structural response to many factors quite well. To investigate effects of low level chronic SO/sub 2/ fumigation, we set the pollutant level to cause annual leaf area damage of 5% for SO/sub 2/-sensitive species and 0.6% in tolerant species. This generates a 10% reduction in growth for P. ponderosa, 18% reduction in growth for Pseudotsuga menzlisii, and approximately 2% to 1% reduction for SO/sub 2/ tolerant species such as A. concolor. Time-averaged P. ponderosa basal area decreased 35% and A/sub 1/ concolor (SO/sub 2/ tolerant) increased by 300% at the 1524 m elevation.

• Research Organization: California Univ., Livermore (USA). Lawrence Livermore Lab.
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 6709792
• Report Number(s): UCID-18537
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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