Canopy dynamics and aboveground production of five tree species with different leaf longevities

In the monospecific plantations, leaf longevity averaged 5, 6, 36, 46 and 66 months for Quercus rubra, Larix decidua, Pinus strobus, Pinus resinosa and Picea abies, respectively. Specific leaf area, maximum net photosynthesis per unit mass, leaf N per unit mass and maximum net photosynthesis on a leaf N basis were inversely correlated to leaf longevity. Maximum net photosynthesis per unit area (A/area) was not correlated to leaf longevity, whereas leaf N per unit net area was positively correlated to leaf longevity. Aboveground biomass and net primary production differed significantly among the five species but were not correlated to leaf longevity, total foliage mass or leaf area. In monospecific plantations, stem NPP for Larix decidua was 17% greater than the Pinus strobus and 14% less than for Picea abies, but in mixed-species plantations stem NPP for Larix decidua was 62 and 85% greater than for Pinus strobus and Picea abies, respectively. Similar aboveground net primary production rates can be attained by tree species with different leaf longevities because of trade-offs resulting from different structural and physiological leaf and canopy characteristics that are correlated to each other and to leaf longevity. -from Authors