J. For. Sci., 2013, 59(11):458-473 | DOI: 10.17221/33/2013-JFS

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

L. Drössler1, N. Fahlvik1,3, B. Elfving2
1 Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
2 Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences,, Umeå, Sweden
3 Institute of Silviculture and Forest Protection, Technical University Dresden, Tharandt, Germany

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.

Keywords: continuous cover forestry; heterogeneous forest structure; forest growth; stand development; growth models; Heureka; Sweden

Published: November 30, 2013  Show citation

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Drössler L, Fahlvik N, Elfving B. Application and limitations of growth models for silvicultural purposes in heterogeneously structured forest in Sweden. J. For. Sci.. 2013;59(11):458-473. doi: 10.17221/33/2013-JFS.
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