2.3. Plant measurementsPlant sizes

2.3. Plant measurements

Plant sizes were measured annually in July 2012–2014. To estimate total plant volume, we measured the maximum basal diameter, basal diameter perpendicular to the maximum basal diameter, and plant height. Plant height was measured from the ground to the top of the tallestleaf. Basal diameter was calculated by averaging the two measured basal diameters. Plant volume was calculated assuming the plant was a cone. This consisted of multiplying the basal surface area by the plant height, and then dividing the outcome by 3. Basal area was calculated by multiplying two basal radii and pi (π). Values of leaf area index (LAI) for all species were obtained from the ALMANAC model database (Kiniry et al., 1992).