Effect of intensive planting density on tree growth, wood density and fiber properties of maple (Acer velutinum Boiss.)

Abstract

Planting density is a major factor in determining tree growth and wood quality. Although the effect of low planting density on the variation of tree and wood characteristics has been already reported, the effect of intensive initial densities in plantations has not been fully assessed yet. In this study, the effect of intensive planting densities on tree growth, wood density and fiber cell properties was investigated in the context of the development of densely-stocked maple plantations for wood production. The study was carried out in a 12-year-old Acer velutinum trial plantation in northern Iran, with initial densities of 10000, 4444, and 2500 trees ha -1 planted. The variation of diameter at breast height, annual ring width, stem taper, wood density, and fiber cell properties were examined. As expected, low planting densities showed trees with larger diameter at breast height and annual ring width. The largest trees at higher densities were smaller than those in lower planting densities. However, initial planting density had no significant effect on stem taper, wood density and fiber cell properties. In addition, no significant relationships between tree growth features and wood properties were detected, indicating similar wood properties at all planting densities. Therefore, stand/tree growth attributes under intensive planting densities could not be considered as reliable predictors of the wood properties.

Non-linear growth models for tree species used for forest restoration in Brazilian Amazon Arc of Deforestation

“…The variable used (area occupied by the plant at the time of planting) is related to competition for resources that plants experience in the early stages of growth. In fact, growth is affected by competition and planting density issues (Naji et al, 2015). However, competition begins to intensify and express its effects a little later and over time, with eventual mortality by competition for light and shading when the tree crowns start tangling as the canopy closes.…”

Effect of Planting Method and Density on Initial Growth of Carya tonkinensis – a Multipurpose Tree

“…Two experiments were conducted: (1) planting method and (2) planting density, which were designed in a total area of 3.25ha. The experiments were designed following Naji et al [8] and Dutta and Hosain [9].…”

“…However, techniques for planting this species is still a gap for development and preservation [5,7]. Through reviewed articles both national and international, effects of planting density and method on growths of tree species have been widely documented [8,9]. While, mixed planting [10] or under crown planting [15] was required for shade-intolerant species in their seedling and sapling stages.…”

Acer velutinum Bioss. (velvet maple) seedlings are more tolerant to water deficit than Alnus subcordata C.A. Mey. (Caucasian alder) seedlings

“…A. subcordata and A. velutinum are the most valuable endemic species and indigenous to the Hyrcanian province in the Euro-Siberian region. Due to their importance, numerus studies have done on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of species, mechanical properties of wood and nutrient elements (Naghdi et al 2016, Naji et al 2016, Tavankar et al 2017, Ghorbani et al 2018, Jourgholami et al 2020.…”