Effect of density on Mediterranean pine seedlings using the Nelder wheel design: analysis of biomass production

Abstract The main objective of this study was to analyse biomass production and distribution among the constituent parts 4-year-old Pinus pinaster halepensis trees. Young trees were harvested from a Nelder wheel experimental site their weight determined. With design, effect stand density can be included in analysis. We analysed at test densities ranging 1000 80 000 seedlings/ha by fitting two types equations: (1) Dirichlet regressions estimate proportions tree (2) allometric equations simultaneously predict content parts. Results innovative approach showed that tree-level significant for P. but not pinaster. observed general increase total lower densities. More precisely, proportion root increased expense aboveground biomass, which is considered positive terms resilience adaptation. This new set fills fundamental knowledge gap these species central Spain readily used silviculturists scientists quantify carbon stocks young planted forests.