LTER treatment plot circumference growth: 1989 - Present

The objective of this project is to evaluate the influence of differential forest floor substrate quality on the growth rate of forest trees and large shrubs (Alder and willow). Four 10 m x 15 m or 15 m x 15 m plots were treated with sucrose, sawdust, fertilizer or were controls at 21 successional sites (3 reps of 4 floodplain and 3 upland stages) in both upland and floodplain locations. A complete census of all trees and shrubs (alder and willow) over 2.54 cm at breast height was carried out prior to treatment in 1989. Approximately 550 trees were fitted with diameter bands to estimate the tree growth response over the next 20 years. These bands will be read on an annual basis. The entire plot will be inventoried on a five-year cycle. In 2009 treatments A and C were dropped after finishing the 20 year study period.