Tree ring analysis in rimu ( Dacrydium cupressinum) : implications for studies of forest dynamics and sustained yeild managment

Authors: Glenn H. Stewart, Jared C. White
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1995, Issue N.Z.J.For. 40(2) 1995, pp 27-31, Aug 1995
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: A preliminary analysis of tree ring series on rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum) discs indicated that inferences of past disturbance history based on ages derived from increment cores must be made with caution. On the discs examined, extreme wedging and lobate growth led to age underestimates of up to c.25% along different radii. In addition to age underestimation, there was a general trend of overestimation of diameter increment. This has implications for forest management because mean annual diameter increment is used to calculate volume increment, a key component in the determination of rotation length. If diameter increment is overestimated (and therefore volume increment as well), rotation length may be underestimated.

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