Stand density and climate data in the Taylor Woods study area (Fort Valley Experimental Forest) on the Colorado Plateau in Northern Arizona, 1961-2011
Dates
Publication Date
2020-03-13
Start Date
1961
End Date
2011
Citation
Andrews, C.M., Bradford, J.B., Fraver, S., Palik, B., D'Amato, A., and Battaglia, M., 2020, Stand density and climate data in the Taylor Woods study area (Fort Valley Experimental Forest) on the Colorado Plateau in Northern Arizona, 1961-2011: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9ESPL41.
Summary
These data were compiled for research pertaining to the effects of stand density on growth rates in semi-arid forests. Increasing heat and aridity in coming decades is expected to negatively impact tree growth and threaten forest sustainability in dry areas. Maintaining low stand density has the potential to mitigate the negative effects of increasingly severe droughts by minimizing competitive intensity. By inspecting growth rates and the climate and soil moisture conditions that drive these growth rates we can understand better the positive effects of reducing stand density and the specific dynamics that are beneficial to growth.
Summary
These data were compiled for research pertaining to the effects of stand density on growth rates in semi-arid forests. Increasing heat and aridity in coming decades is expected to negatively impact tree growth and threaten forest sustainability in dry areas. Maintaining low stand density has the potential to mitigate the negative effects of increasingly severe droughts by minimizing competitive intensity. By inspecting growth rates and the climate and soil moisture conditions that drive these growth rates we can understand better the positive effects of reducing stand density and the specific dynamics that are beneficial to growth.
The purpose of this data is to illustrate growth rates across ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) treatments of different densities, and also to show different climate and soil moisture conditions in these stands. Finally, we relate growth to these climate and soil moisture conditions.
Rights
The author(s) of these data request that data users contact them regarding intended use and to assist with understanding limitations and interpretation. Unless otherwise stated, all data, metadata and related materials are considered to satisfy the quality standards relative to the purpose for which the data were collected. Although these data and associated metadata have been reviewed for accuracy and completeness and approved for release by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data for other purposes, nor on all computer systems, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty.
