Tracheid dimensions of Norway spruce in uneven-aged stands

Abstract

Tracheid length and width patterns from pith to bark at a height of 0.6 m in uneven-aged Norway spruce (<i>Picea abies</i> L. (H.) Karst) trees were addressed. The identification of the main factors and a comparison with even-aged stands were also pursued. 96 trees were sampled from experimental stands in Southern Finland. The material encompassed the variation in tracheid properties from early years to silvicultural maturity, i.e. from corewood to outerwood up to a cambial age of 111 years. Data from 39 Norway spruce trees from even-aged stands we utilized for comparison. Models fitted to the data indicated that annual ring widths did not influence mean tracheid dimensions but the latewood proportion showed a significant influence on tracheid dimensions. Tracheids in uneven-aged stands were slightly wider and longer at the base of the stem with a similar tree diameter, cambial age, and annual ring number.