This study explored the ability to develop reference curves to describe exemplar age class distributions for key floodplain tree species.
Understanding the characteristics of tree populations, such as their density, age structure, rates of recruitment (germination and establishment of new trees), growth, and mortality (death rates), are important to understanding the likelihood that tree populations are sustainable. This includes understanding the role of these processes on age class distributions. Developing reference curves – tools that help to define the acceptable limits of parameters such as age class distributions – helps us to determine the likelihood that tree populations are sustainable or may require management intervention to promote recruitment or old growth for example.