The growth process of natural poplar-birch forests

Abstract

With a combination of permanent and temporary sample plots, we investigated the growth conditions of natural poplar-birch forests. The forests were divided into four site classes, using statistical and analytical techniques in a quantitative model, in descending order where site class !` was the best. On this basis, the growth of natural poplar-birch forests in the different site classes was studied. The growth processes of height and diameter at breast height were divided into three stages: a fast growing period, a stable growing period and a slow growing period. Results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the directive cultivation of natural poplar-birch forests.