Growth Performance Assessment of Chamaecyparis obtusa Stand in Gyeongnam Province, S. Korea

Abstract

Growth causes in trees to change in volume (size) and shape or form. These changes can be positive or negative and it is the result of different factors either biotic or a biotic. A stand or individual trees have characteristic growth patterns and understanding the sources of change or factors that are influencing the growth is crucial for the productivity of forests. In this study the growth performance of Chamaecyparis obtusa (C. obtusa) was studied to assess the growth condition of young stand in the Gyeongnam province since the time of plantation. Historical tree growth was measured using standard forest growth evaluation (height and root collar diameter measurement) techniques to analyze increment from individual trees at seventy two sites in eight cities and counties. The relationship between soil properties, climate, altitude and aspect with tree growth was evaluated. The results of the study showed variation of growth pattern for the same species of similar age categories at different sites and the combined effects of climate, soil properties, altitude, aspect and management are the strongest drivers of changes in the growth. It was recommended to consider the above factors for further expansion of plantation of the species and apply periodic silvicultural treatments to the stands in order to facilitate the growth and wood quality.