Population dynamics of young forest stands as affected by density and nutrient regime in the Andrews Experimental Forest, 1981-1996

To test hypotheses concerning feedback mechamisms (competition and mortality) which effect the dynamics of plant population development. Specifically, to test if manipulation of site quality (through fertilization) or the variance in individual tree leaf area (through pruning) will produce changes in the dominance hierarchy and thus in the growth mode of stands as they approach self-thinning (mortality).