On Nov 1, 1994 Mike Sonntag asked the question why two trees growing under identical light, climate, and soil conditions except that one tree is under a forest canopy and the other in the open would not grow the same? Specifically the tree under a canopy would put on more height growth and less diameter growth than the one in the open. He wondered if the difference is the quality of light. While this may be part of the answer, I would argue for a different explanation. The tree in the open is receiving light uniformly across the canopy which would be the most efficient use of the amount of light from the standpoint of the tree. On the other hand, the tree under a canopy receiving the same amount of light would find it scattered over a wider area due to shading effects of the competitors (in fact, it is difficult to believe the two trees are receiving the same amount of light assuming the climate). This scattering of light is not as efficient so a greater allocation of resources is expended on height growth to improve the chances of reaching an environment of more uniform light (less shading) to improve the efficiency. At this point this is only a theory, but one worth testing. +--------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Greg L. Somers | FAX: 205-844-1084 | | School of Forestry | Telephone: 205-844-1059 | | Auburn University, AL 36849 | Email: somers@forestry.auburn.edu | +--------------------------------------------------------------------+
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