Modeling branch attributes and biomass for Catalpa bungei plantations under various fertilization regimes

Abstract

The development and morphology of branches, a crucial step in producing high-quality large-diameter lumber, may be influenced by fertilization. The response of branch attributes to different fertilization regimes, however, is still poorly understood. The Catalpa bungei plantations, which had been growing for 6 years in northern China, were chosen to study how various fertilization measures affected branch attributes. The two fertilization techniques used were hole fertilization (HF) and water and fertilizer integration (WF), with no fertilization (CK) as a control. The quantity, density, morphology (e.g., diameter, length, and angle), and position (e.g., height and orientation) of branches, and organ biomass of 18 standard trees (total of 516 branches) were investigated. The results demonstrated a considerable increase in tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH), canopy ratio, branch quantity, and organ biomass following the addition of fertilizer. Both the maximum branch diameter and the number of branches rose with fertilization. Following fertilization, the number of branches rose by 16% (HF) and 28% (WF) compared to non-fertilized trees, while the maximum branch diameter increased by 3.5% (HF) and 17.3% (WF), respectively. WF led to an increase in the number of branches and largest branch diameter in comparison to CK and HF. The length, angle, and diameter of branches, however, were not affected significantly by different fertilization treatments. There were roughly equal amounts of branches in four orientations. The mixed-model analysis revealed that the number of branches was positively correlated with branch density and tree height. The branch diameter increased with the increase of branch length and angle. The branch length was negatively correlated with branch height and angle. The branch angle showed a larger angle at the bottom of the canopy. Tree height plus diameter at breast height combined, or just the diameter at breast height indicator alone, can both reliably predict the total biomass of trees. The branch models created in this research may offer some theoretical backing for understanding the crown dynamics of valuable tree species in northern China.