| Popis: |
Tree height and diameter growth follow a pattern which can be expressed mathematically as a sigmoid curve. Following a slow early period, tree growth accelerates exponentially, stabilizes and then declines into senescence and death. For the purposes of this chapter the term “decline” will be applied to a significant negative tendency away from that normal pattern of growth. The radiata pine plantations of New Zealand will be used as the prime source of experimental material to illustrate the circumstances under which inadequate nutrition causes such a decrease in growth. |
