A Novel Approach to Evaluate the Effect of Neighboring Trees and the Orientation of Tree Social Area on Stem Radial Increment of Norway Spruce Trees

Tree growth depends on many factors such as microsite conditions, vitality, and variations in climate genetics. It is generally accepted that higher indicates both an economic benefit better vitality of any tree. Here we use a modified approach evaluating tree social area to study mutual competition based the orientation shape trees area. The investigation was performed nine Norway spruce stands Czech Republic. objective this from 2008 2012 quantify relative radial increments with respect lowest highest found specific sectors (AS). Specific groups (tree classes) were evaluated according their classes (dominant, co-dominant sub-dominant) composition status ninety-degree AS using established classifying rules. results showed spatially-available (AA) inappropriate parameter for predicting growth, whereas provided robust explanatory power predict growth. size observed important indicator increments. A significantly positive correlation increment sub-dominant western directions; negative when eastern directions. For dominant trees, there evident reaction only more than 50% oriented towards one cardinal points. Individual differences may be parameters regard its spatial variability within surrounding particular deserve detailed attention models practice.