Bole volume growth in stems of Quercus gambelii

Authors

Warren P. Clary, Intermountain Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Boise, Idaho
Arthur R. Tiedemann, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, La Grande, Oregon

Abstract

Shrub-form and tree-form Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii) stands contain a potentially significant fuelwood resource. Information on their growth characteristics can form a basis for future stand management. Stem analyses showed that height growth of shrub-form stems essentially ceased after age 50, while tree-form stems continued to increase in height until approximately age 100. Both stem forms continued to increase in basal area and volume at a relatively constant rate as the stems increased in age and size. Increases in all size measures were substantially greater in tree-form stems than in shrub-form stems. Mean bole volume for tree-form stems at age 100 was over 16 times that of shrub-form stems. Sprouts from tree-form stands would reach minimum size for fuelwood marketing in approximately 45 years.

Recommended Citation

Clary, Warren P. and Tiedemann, Arthur R. (1993) "Bole volume growth in stems of Quercus gambelii," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 53: No. 2, Article 7.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol53/iss2/7