Abstract:

Models for estimating total number of primary branches and spatial distribution within the live crown were developed in Pinus sylvestris stands in Maoershan experiment farm of Northeast Forestry University. Data of crown attributes were collected from 2002 to 2003 and from 53 sample trees ranging from in age from 17 to 38 a,diameter at breast height(DBH) from 8.61 to 21.5 cm and total height(HT) from 7.48 to 18.24 m. The total number of primary branches in upper part of crown in vertical location show tendency with alternating variation in per whorl, and linear decreasing with the depth into the crown(DINC) in lower part of crown. Analysis of branch azimuths on a whole-tree basis indicated that a uniform distribution was appropriate and a strong positive correlation was found for consecutive whorls of the same number of branches. Overall the models were suitable in dynamic simulating tree crown structure of Pinus sylvestris stands.

Key words: Pinus sylvestris, primary branches, vertical location, horizontal distribution, circular distributions