Needle-Like Leaf Organs of Conifers. Part I. Modeling the Needle Cross-Section Perimeter
Journal Title: Lesnoy Zhurnal (Russian Forestry Journal) - Year 2024, Vol 3, Issue 3
Abstract
Despite the availability of measuring systems for estimating the surface area of leaf organs of higher plants, the need for simple standard methods for determining this indicator area remains relevant for plant physiologists. The methods for estimating the surface area of needle-like leaf organs of conifers, based on the geometry of an individual needle rest on the general principle of calculating the needle surface area as the product of its length by the perimeter of its cross-section. This makes the cross-section perimeter one of the most important parameters needed to characterize the needle surface area. The strong variability of this parameter depending on the species necessitates the development of individual models of the cross-section of individual needles. The aim of this study has been to create a universal model for estimating the needle cross-section perimeter, irrespective of the tree species. For the practical implementation of the aim, a method was proposed for estimating the perimeter of the needle cross-section, based on the well-known fact that any closed line is transformable into an equivalent circle, while the length of the closed line does not change. The perimeter of the equivalent circle can be related to the parameters of the geometric figure before the transformation. This approach allows us to relate the width and thickness of the needle cross-section to its perimeter. The developed universal model of the needle cross-section has been verified on cross-sections of Siberian fir (Abies sibirica L.) and common juniper (Juniperus communis L.) needles. The samples of needles of these woody plants have been collected from a bilberry-sphagnum spruce forest in the boreal zone of the north-east of the European part of Russia (Knyazhpogostkiy district, the Komi Republic). Statistical analysis has shown the significance and adequacy of the model. It can be used to assess the perimeter of coniferous needles, irrespective of their species. In this case, the accuracy of perimeter estimation is comparable to the accuracy of direct perimeter measurement by the piecewise linear approximation method.
Authors and Affiliations
Natal’ya V. Tarasov, Natal’ya V. Gerling
Formation of Biologically Stable Protective Pine Forests by Improvement Thinning in Northern Kazakhstan
The article deals with the effect of thinning in a permanent trial plot (PTP). The objects of care were natural clean even-aged pine forests growing in arid conditions of the Kazakh Uplands (case study of the Burabay Nat...
The Conservation of Plant Species Diversity in Forest Management in the Key Biotopes of the Vologda Region
A reduction in the number of biological species can cause a loss of the integrity of the biosphere and its ability to maintain the most important characteristics of the natural environment. Therefore, scientific research...
Introduction of European Larch Climatypes in the Mixed Forest Zone
The range of European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) covers Central Europe, while in Podmoskovie this species grows out of its natural distribution area. In plantings this species is known for its fast growth, stability, go...
Studying Morphological Characteristics and Sowing Qualities of Seeds of Species of the Genus Larix Mill. in the Conditions of Introduction
The paper presents the results of studying morphological characteristics and sowing qualities of seeds of larch species introduced to the center of European Russia (Larix sibirica Ledeb., L. sukaczewii Dyl., L. decidua M...
Substantiation of Technological Processes and Machinery Systems for Logging Operations
The work analyses the forest raw material resources of the Far Eastern Federal District. Corresponding to the conclusions, it is made an evaluation of a promising technology and systems of machinery for logging. It shows...