Microsites Influence the Light Response of Young Douglas-Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco)

Two comparable sites with uneven-aged mixed forest stands with more than 20% Douglas-fir in the growing stock at an altitude of 650 m a.s.l. were selected. The physiological response of young trees to different light intensities was measured during the main growing season in three consecutive years, and four different light categories, which were determined from hemispherical photographs. The four light intensity categories were defined according to Indirect Site Factor (ISF%): in the open (A-ISF > 35%), at the outer forest edge (B-25% < ISF < 35%), at the inner forest edge (C-15% < ISF < 25%), and under complete canopy under mature forest stand (D-ISF < 15%). Climate data were obtained from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute 'Climate Explorer' website. For the intensive micrometeorological observations, four monitoring sites were established along the elevation gradient at each site during summer and late fall to record relative humidity (RH%) and temperature (degrees C) with a 30 min recording interval sequence. Measured assimilation responses (A) and light use efficiency (phi) at one site followed the expected pattern, while humidity combined with microsite conditions proved significant in explaining the specific response of young Douglas-fir to the different light intensity at the other site. For higher survival and optimal future development of Douglas-fir in the changing environment, microsites with higher capacity for storage moisture and favorable microclimate should generally be preferred to exposed and dry sites.

Automated summary

Two comparable sites at an altitude of 650 m with uneven-aged mixed forest stands were selected for studying the physiological response of young trees to different light intensities. The research found that humidity and microsite conditions were significant factors in explaining the specific response of young Douglas-fir to varying light intensities.