Full Citation: Ryniker, K.A.; Bush, Janis K.; Van Auken, O.W. 2006. Structure of Quercus gambelii communities in the Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico, USA. Forest Ecology and Management 233(1):69-77.
External Identifier(s): 10.1016/j.foreco.2006.06.008 Digital Object Identifier
Location: Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico, U.S.
Ecosystem types: Gambel oak stands
Southwest FireCLIME Keywords: None
FRAMES Keywords: Quercus gambelii, Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico, Gambel oak, forest structure, dynamics, oak regeneration, Quercus spp.

Structure of Quercus gambelii communities in the Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico, USA

K. A. Ryniker, Janis K. Bush, O. W. Van Auken


Summary - what did the authors do and why?

The authors characterized the historic community stand dynamics of Quercus gambelii to understand the structure and patterns of regeneration and recruitment over time.


Publication findings:

The frequency of fire necessary to maintain populations of Q. gambelii is highly uncertain, however, the authors suggest that fire may play an important role in these communities by affecting the rate of succession. Because Q. gambelii is fairly shade-intolerant, long fire return intervals may reduce the regeneration capacity of this species within dense canopies.

Fire and Ecosystem Effects Linkages

The frequency of fire necessary to maintain populations of Q. gambelii is highly uncertain, however, the authors suggest that fire may play an important role in these communities by affecting the rate of succession. Because Q. gambelii is fairly shade-intolerant, long fire return intervals may reduce the regeneration capacity of this species within dense canopies