Spatial Distribution and Radial Growth Response of Pinus densiflora to Climatic and Topographic Factors in Central Urban Forest of Seoul, Korea(<Special Issue>Multipurpose Forest Management)

Abstract

Recently, several studies have shown relationships between tree radial growth and climatic factors. It is generally assumed in dendroclimatological studies that there exists relationship between tree radial growth and the climatic factors. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between tree radial growth of Pinus densiflora and climatic factors that had been collected from sample sites in central urban area, Seoul in Korea. Based on sensitivity analysis of radial growth using a variety of combinations of independent variables, temperature has a positive effect on radial growth. The standard growth appeared better in the north and south aspects where the mean temperature was higher than other aspects. This study also indicated that spatial autocorrelation existed in standard growth with the range of 250m, indicating thatthere exist spatial differences in tree growth due to micro climatic and topographical variability. This result can be used to develop accurate regional process based model for reasonable management of urban forest.