The effects of initial size and competing trees on the growth of Quercus glauca Thunb. and Quercus myrsinaefolia Blume. in a large-scale mature urban forest

Abstract

We examined relationship between basal area increments of Quercus glauca and Quercus myrsinaefolia, and two affecting factors, initial size and competitive environments. There were positive correlations between basal area increments of these two species and their initial basal area. Growth of Q. glauca and Q. myrsinaefolia were affected by competing trees within 6 and 8 m radius of the target trees, respectively. Initial size and the best competition index could explain a large proportion of basal area increment for Q. glauca (54%) but couldn't for Q. myrsinaefolia (41%). This suggested other factors influenced on growth of Q. myrsinaefolia.