Growth and Yield of Black Spruce, Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.Pl., in Alaska

Abstract

Black spruce, Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P., is largely overlooked in Alaska because of its small size and slow growth. Growth and yield information is therefore limited or nonexistent. Presented here are the first polymorphic site index (height-age) curves and height-diameter functions for predicting height and volume for Alaska black spruce. Models are accurate for trees up to 50 feet in height and 8 inches DBH. Predicted stem volumes range from 0.006 ft3 to 21.8 ft3 for trees between 0.5 and 11.5 inches DBH Sampled tree dimensions range from 5.5 to 78.0 feet tall and from 0.4 to 11.0 inches DBH. Sampled breast-height ages range from 49 to 257 years; average age-to-breast-height is 26 years. This research, although limited, also characterizes general stand-level structure and community composition for Alaska black spruce. 60 Permanent Sample Plots (PSPs) representing 20 stands were established throughout the Tanana Valley, with stand inventory conducted according to a consistent protocol. Stand densities range from 137 to 2,907 trees per acre; stand volumes ranged from 8 to 2,507 ft3 per acre. Stand density index values range from 6 to 453. Periodic remeasurement of PSPs will yield valuable information about stand evolution and community type change.