Photosynthesis, foliage development and productivity of Sitka spruce

Abstract

SynopsisYoung Sitka spruce trees grow slowly, compared with poplar for instance, because of lower photosynthetic rates and slower rates of leaf area production. On the other hand, the canopies of Sitka spruce stands have structural and photosynthetic properties which make them very productive. Both the slow growth of young trees, and the high productivities of closed stands, can be attributed to the needle habit.