Abstract
Using Weller’s allometric model, i.e. the allometric relationships of mean tree height H (=gθ•wθ) and mean aboveground mass density d (=w /( s•H )=gδ•wδ, where s is the mean area occupied by a tree, i.e. the reciprocal population density (1/ρ = gφ • wφ ), to w, the self-thinning line (w=K•ρ-α) of overcrowded Bruguiera gymnorrhiza stands was studied. Mean population tree height increased with increasing w. The values of the allometric constant θ and the multiplying factor gθbetween H and w were 0.2605 and 2.868 m kg-θ, respectively. Simultaneously, the allometric constant sigma; and the multiplying factor g sigma; between d and w were 0.05894 and 1.934 m-3 kg1-δ, respectively. The δ-value was not significantly different from zero, showing that d remains constant regardless of an increase in w. The self-thinning exponent α based on the θ- and δf-values, and the multiplying factor K based on the gθ, g δ-, and φ-values were 1.469 and 12.39 kg m–2α, respectively. The value of θ+δ was 0.319, which was not significantly different from 1/3 (t = 0.253, df = 82, p = 0.801). Thus, the self-thinning exponent α was not significantly different from 3/2, which means that the self-thinning line of the present overcrowded B. gymnorrhiza stands can be explained using the simple geometric model.
