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

Explanation should include

- abiotic factors
  - light
  - water availability
  - nutrient availability
  - topography
  - soils
  - aspect (i.e., direction of slope face)
  - climate
  - natural disturbances (e.g., lightning, fire, flood)
- biotic factors
  - competition
  - disease susceptibility
  - anthropogenic (e.g., fire, equipment damage)
  - plants
  - animals
  - fungi
  - bacteria
  - forest pests (e.g., emerald ash borer, southern pine beetle).

Process/Skill Questions:

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