Title: Explain the factors that influence tree growth.
Course: Forestry Management (18502-I) > Section: Examining Tree Physiology

Explanation should include

- abiotic factors, such as

o    light
o    water availability
o    nutrient availability
o    topography
o    soils
o    aspect (i.e., direction of slope face)
o    climate
o    natural disturbances (e.g., lightning, fire, flood)
- biotic factors, such as

o    competition
o    disease susceptibility
o    anthropogenic factors (e.g., logging, farming, mining)
o    the influence of plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria
o    the effects from forest pests (e.g., emerald ash borer, southern pine beetle, spotted lanternfly)
o    mycorrhiza.

Process/Skill Questions:

- How does aspect affect water availability in a location?
- What types of diseases affect tree growth?
- What are ways biotic and abiotic factors influence tree growth?
- What are examples of limiting factors that affect tree growth?
- How do the producer, consumer, and decomposer relationships affect tree growth?