Allometric Models for Estimating the Height of Robinia pseudoacacia L. in Restoration Plantations

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to develop height growth models using forest data with the measured total height, bole height and diameter at breast height, targeting Robiniapseudoacacia plantations of various ages, located in restoration plantations of former mining areas of a lignite center in Northwestern Greece. To achieve this goal, 24 circular plots were randomly established in plantations of different ages. Eleven models were tested for data fit, and the selection of the models was based on three statistical criteria. The developed models revealed that black locust plantations grow well, thus being an excellent species for the restoration of former mines. There is no comparison between pre- and post-mining areas, thus site quality and other aspects are not taken into account; our models give a basis for assessments of areas affected by mining.

Carbon sequestration and soil nitrogen enrichment in Robinia pseudoacacia L. post-mining restoration plantations

“…Still, it is important to note that all abovementioned studies refer to young plantations (<25 years old) that have not been subjected to any forest management practices yet. Black locust reaches maturity at the age of 25-30 years, while growth and ABG production is levelling off after that age, as observed at other degraded sites (Wang et al, 2015;Guo et al, 2022) and at our study site (Manolopoulos et al, 2022). Based on these, we assumed an average age for stand maturity at 27.5 years and we estimated that the current total above-ground biomass of the plantations (28.5 t ha −1 ; Figure 2) at a mean age of 16 years, represents less than 40% of the total AGB at maturity, which is expected to reach at least 80.0 t ha −1 if the linear increase with time (Figure 4A) continues until that age.…”

Environmental Drivers of Gross Primary Production and Evapotranspiration at a Robinia pseudoacacia L. Restoration Plantation

“…Although these GPP estimations generally refer to mature ecosystems, the differences in GPP may also, to some extent, be due to age effects. Nevertheless, the elevated GPP rates of black locust are in line with the species' high growth rate, particularly at a young age [24,44], even though the studied plantation grows on particularly infertile post-mining depositions [31]. However, an important contributor to the ecosystem's GPP, apart from black locust, is the understorey grasses vegetation which performs a considerable CO 2 fixation in the months prior to the initiation of leaf expansion in black locust (January to March), and its contribution to GPP continues until the dry summer period, when it wilts and is quickly decomposed, as similarly observed by others [34].…”

“…The studied plantation grows on a flat area and is approximately 20 years old with a mean tree height of 13.5 m. Based on these traits, tree height has peaked [24] and the stand is close to reaching maturity and maximum growth [42][43][44]. The understorey vegetation consists of perennial grasses, dominated by Cynodon dactylon Pers., with a significant contribution to the phenology and fluxes for the period before leaf expansion and after leaf fall [9].…”

Analyzing the impact of reforestation on forest fires and the economic outcome in an area in northern Greece.

“…Even in very degraded environments, where site insensitive conifers have an ecological advantage (Oliver & Larson, 1996), forest practices have to find alternatives regarding the species that would be used for restoration. A candidate species is Robinia pseudoacacia (Manolopoulos et al, 2022). However, detailed studies have to be conducted in order to determine the dangers of using that invasive species and to eliminate the invasion of the species in adjacent ecosystems (Spyroglou et al, 2021;Manolopoulos et al, 2022).…”

“…A candidate species is Robinia pseudoacacia (Manolopoulos et al, 2022). However, detailed studies have to be conducted in order to determine the dangers of using that invasive species and to eliminate the invasion of the species in adjacent ecosystems (Spyroglou et al, 2021;Manolopoulos et al, 2022). Moreover, in cases where there are native plants in candidate reforestation areas, these have to be incorporated into the restoration process.…”