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Moving beyond simple linear allometric relationships between tree height and diameter

Author

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  • Watt, Michael S.
  • Kirschbaum, Miko U.F.

Abstract

Allometric relationships are used across a broad range of ecological disciplines as they provide a convenient means of scaling height (H) as a function of diameter (D). In these functions, it is commonly assumed that log transformed diameters and heights are linearly related, with a constant slope across environmental gradients. It is also widely thought that the elastic similarity model, in which H∝D2/3, holds true for all tree species, as this is a functional relationship that describes mechanical stability under self weight. Despite the wide use of these functions, little research has undertaken a rigorous intra-species evaluation of the applicability of these functions or the underlying theory. Here, we evaluate the applicability of these models to measurements from Pinus radiata plots covering broad intra and inter-stand environmental variation, and refine these models to make them more generally applicable. We used observations from 84 plots situated throughout New Zealand that had been measured repeatedly throughout stand development.

Suggested Citation

  • Watt, Michael S. & Kirschbaum, Miko U.F., 2011. "Moving beyond simple linear allometric relationships between tree height and diameter," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 222(23), pages 3910-3916.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecomod:v:222:y:2011:i:23:p:3910-3916
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2011.10.011
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Geoffrey B. West & James H. Brown & Brian J. Enquist, 1999. "A general model for the structure and allometry of plant vascular systems," Nature, Nature, vol. 400(6745), pages 664-667, August.
    2. Brian J. Enquist & Andrew J. Kerkhoff & Scott C. Stark & Nathan G. Swenson & Megan C. McCarthy & Charles A. Price, 2007. "A general integrative model for scaling plant growth, carbon flux, and functional trait spectra," Nature, Nature, vol. 449(7159), pages 218-222, September.
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