A re-evaluation of Reineke's Rule and Stand Density Index
2005
Pretzsch, H. | Biber, P.
The self-thinning rule established by Reineke in 1933, N infinity d(-1.605) (N, d = number of stems and quadratic mean diameter, respectively) assumes the same allometric relationship between size and density for a wide spectrum of species under self-thinning conditions. We re-evaluate this rule based on 28 fully stocked pure stands of common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), and common oak (Quercus petraea Mattuschka Liebl.) in Germany that date back to the year 1870. OLS regression of the model ln(N) = a + b . ln(d) results in b values of -1.789 for common beech, -1.664 for Norway spruce, -1.593 for Scots pine, and -1.424 for common oak. The allometric coefficient for common beech differs significantly from the other species. There is also a significant difference between the b values of Norway spruce and common oak. Except for Scots pine, the above allometric coefficients deviate significantly (common beech) and close-to-significantly (Norway spruce, common oak) from the coefficient -1.605 postulated by Reineke in 1933. To cover the species-specific oscillation of mortality rates, we additionally calculate the self-thinning coefficient for each survey period. Ecological implications of the species-specific scaling exponents are stressed and consequences regarding tools for regulating stand density are discussed.
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