Abstract:

Models for estimating crown profile of primary branches within live crown were developed in a 26-year-old Larix olgensis plantation in Changbai Mountain. Data of crown attributes were collected from 25 sample trees ranging in diameter at breast height ( DBH ) from 10.5 cm to 24.9 cm using the method of branch analysis. Crown profile models, including branch diameter, branch length, angle of origin, and branch chord length, were developed from branch attributes and tree variables. These crown attributes of primary branches for a specified tree increase with the depth into crown ( DINC ) increasing. DBH and total height ( HT ) were adequate variables of tree for summarizing the effects of external conditions on crown profile. The predicting models of crown profile were logical and perform well to represent the trends in crown structure. All crown shapes are parabolic in the upper and middle part of crown, and follow approximately cylinder at lower part of crown. Overall, the models were suitable in describing the trends and inherent variability of crown profile for Larix olgensis plantation.

Key words: Larix olgensis, Branch diameter, Branch length, Branch angle, Crown profile, Branch analysis