Modelling Landscape-level Vegetation Dynamics in the Boreal Forests of Northwestern Ontario

Résumé du livre

Describes a study undertaken to develop a synoptic model of forest succession (vegetation dynamics) in the north-western Ontario boreal region. Successional trends were inferred using two complementary approaches: analysis of class size distributions of trees and species vital attributes, and enumeration of stands at different post-fire ages. A sample of 1,389 plots enumerated within a study area of about 184,000 square kilometres was used. Cover values and detailed information on edaphic and landform variables were collected from each plot. Model development included classification into one of 12 vegetation stand types, summarizing of successional trajectories for each stand type, and synthesis of the trajectories to create a synoptic forest succession model that recognizes two self-perpetuating forest canopy types.