Application and limitations of growth models for silvicultural purposes in heterogeneously structured forest in Sweden

The paper addresses the problem of estimating future stand development in heterogeneously structured forests in Sweden; specifically, multi-layered spruce stands and mature pine stands with advanced spruce undergrowth. We first introduce various supporting concepts and models with their empirical da...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: L. Drössler, N. Fahlvik, B. Elfving
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences 2013-11-01
Series:Journal of Forest Science
Subjects:
Online Access:https://jfs.agriculturejournals.cz/artkey/jfs-201311-0005_application-and-limitations-of-growth-models-for-silvicultural-purposes-in-heterogeneously-structured-forest-in.php
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Summary:The paper addresses the problem of estimating future stand development in heterogeneously structured forests in Sweden; specifically, multi-layered spruce stands and mature pine stands with advanced spruce undergrowth. We first introduce various supporting concepts and models with their empirical databases, model validation and constraints. Secondly, Swedish single-tree growth functions designed for more heterogeneously structured forest are tested using data from inventory plots, a thinning experiment in an uneven-aged forest stand, and yield plots in pristine forest. Future growth of a managed, multi-layered forest was simulated and is compared with other selected functions. Simulation results, expected errors and time constraints are discussed. For most models, projected stand basal area growth deviated 10-20% from the observed growth in individual stands. In single stands, the deviation ranged from 0 to 60%. Validation periods were often 5-15 years, sometimes even more than 30 years. For Swedish single-tree basal area growth functions, on average, a 5% overestimate was found for heterogeneously structured forest across Sweden. Observed growth in a boreal single-tree selection forest was underestimated by 12.5% fifteen years after thinning from above.
ISSN:1212-4834
1805-935X