Modeling fire-induced tree mortality in longleaf pine using spatial data
Graduation Date
2014
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Other
Program
Thesis (M.S.)--Humboldt State University, Environmental Systems: Mathematical Modeling, 2014
Committee Chair Name
Christopher Dugaw
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Keywords
Forestry, Humboldt State University -- Theses -- Mathematical Modeling, Math, Modeling, Spatial, Longleaf, Statistics
Abstract
Restoration of fire-excluded pine ecosystems is a major conservation and management goal. Land managers have used prescribed fires to reduce accumulated forest floor fuels and restore pinelands. While these fires have been successful at reducing fuels, tree mortality in these restoration fires can be as high as 75 to 95 percent. In this study, I model post-fire mortality of longleaf pine (in two stands in the Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern Alabama) using logistic models composed of only predictors that can be measured pre-fire. These methods are extended by the addition of spatial competition functions since such measures are drawn from available data for managers, and have been shown to have effects on growth and mortality. The best models, selected by AIC, predict survival as well or better than earlier models but have high false mortality predictions. The spatial dynamics of the stand are also studied pre-fire and post-fire to determine the effect of prescribed fire and inter-tree competition. Post-fire, spatial distribution of the trees did not significantly change. Earlier studies detected differences in the spatial dynamics between different classes of longleaf pine. These dynamics were confirmed in some results and in others questioned. Small trees (DBH 30 cm) clustered away from large trees (DBH 30 cm). Large trees were more dispersed than a random process (Poisson) would dictate. Juveniles (DBH 5 cm) were shown to cluster away from large trees, but aggregate around other small trees.
Recommended Citation
Heese, Holland R., "Modeling fire-induced tree mortality in longleaf pine using spatial data" (2014). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 1175.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/1175
https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/47429c72c