Effects of contrasting light and soil moisture availability on the growth and biomass allocation of Douglas-fir and red alder

We examined growth and biomass allocation of individual Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) and red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) seedlings grown for 3 years under contrasting combinations of light and water. Alder growth was always greater than Douglas-fir. Full sunlight and soil moisture at field capacity caused large differences in size between the two species. With limited light and water, differences were smaller. Under full light and limited water, Douglas-fir allocated a high portion of its biomass to roots, whereas red alder allocated a high percentage to aboveground biomass components. Under light and water resource-limiting situations, red alder allocated more mass to stem, whereas Douglas-fir allocated more to roots. Red alder growth responded negatively to water limitation, whereas Douglas-fir did not. Red alder exhibited greater foliage plasticity to light. Species differences in size and allocation in response to resource availability may determine pathways by which Douglas-fir an...