Specific features of Siberian spruce (Picea obovata) growth at the upper limit of its distribution in the Iremel' mountain range, Southern Urals

Specific features of Siberian spruce growth at the upper limit of its distribution in the Iremel mountain range, Southern Urals, were studied. Tree stands at the upper level were inferior to those at the lower level with respect to average tree diameter, average tree height, average crown diameter, and a stocking density XXX. The range of variation in the age of spruce trees proved to be wide and depended on elevation. At each altitudinal level, the trunk volume in trees of the same generation was greater, the higher their rank by diameter. Results showed that the dynamics of spruce tree growth by volume markedly differed depending on the time of tree establishment at the upper forest boundary.