How to translate text using browser tools
1 September 2014 Long Term Aboveground Litterfall Production in Boreal Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana) and Black Spruce (Picea mariana) Stands along the Boreal Forest Transect Case Study in Western Central Canada
Jagtar S. Bhatti, Rachhpal S. Jassal
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Boreal Forest Transect Case Study with a natural climate gradient resulting from latitudinal variation provides a spatial proxy for expected climate change, and can help to understand its impact on different ecosystem processes and how the forest species are adapting to these changes. We investigated year to year variation in aboveground litter production for 2001–2010 in 13 different mature jack pine (JP) and black spruce (BS) stands in relationship to climatic variables. Simple linear and step-wise regression analysis showed that tree species interacted differently with climate and stand variables affecting litterfall. Annual total and woody litterfall varied from 57 to 164 g·m-2·y-1 in JP and 18 to 63 g·m-2·y-1 in BS. Needle litterfall accounted for about 70% of the total litter production in JP and BS and about 80% in mixed wood stands, and explained significant variation in total litter production. On regional scale, needle litter production was strongly influenced by growing degree days (R2 = 0.96). Woody litterfall decreased with winter precipitation (R2 = 0.95) in JP, and increased with productivity (R2 = 0.88) in BS. Regression models developed here are useful tools in carbon budget models.

Jagtar S. Bhatti and Rachhpal S. Jassal "Long Term Aboveground Litterfall Production in Boreal Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana) and Black Spruce (Picea mariana) Stands along the Boreal Forest Transect Case Study in Western Central Canada," Ecoscience 21(3–4), 301-314, (1 September 2014). https://doi.org/10.2980/21-(3-4)-3699
Received: 3 June 2014; Accepted: 23 April 2015; Published: 1 September 2014
KEYWORDS
black spruce
boreal forests
changements climatiques
climate change
épinette noire
forêt boréale
jack pine
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top