LINKAGES BETWEEN SILVICULTURE AND ECOLOGY - AN ANALYSIS OF DENSITY MANAGEMENT DIAGRAMS

Density management diagrams (DMDs) are used to quickly examine alterna tive density management regimes. DMDs are based upon several ecologica l concepts, and thus demonstrate links between quantitative silvicultu re and ecology. We group the important ecological concepts incorporate d into DMDs into three broad categories: (1) the generality of allomet ric relationships; (2) the nature of size-density relationships; and ( 3) the ability of relative density indices to characterize stand devel opment. We review the evidence for each of these categories as they ar e applied in DMDs, There is strong evidence for the application of all ometric relationships to predict stand yield and for the ability of re lative density indices to characterize elements of stand development, Some ambiguity exists concerning the application of size-density relat ionships. Specifically, there is some evidence indicating that maximum size-density relationships may Vary with genetics, management practic es, and environmental conditions. In general, we conclude that DMDs re st on a strong conceptual foundation.