60Analysis of different base models and options for site model derivation using historical data for Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Central Europe

Chris J. Cieszewski¹, Michał Zasada^1,2, Mike Strub^1,3

¹Warnell School of Forest Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA http://www.growthandyield.com/chris/

²Department of Dendrometry and Forest Productivity, Faculty of Forestry, Warsaw Agricultural University, Nowoursynowska 159, building #34, 00-776 Warsaw, Poland, Michal.Zasada@wl.sggw.waw.pl

³Weyerhaeuser Company Inc., Hot Springs, AR, USA

Abstract:
Using historical growth series data of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in central Europe we examine several approaches to site dependent height-age model derivation. We consider several renowned base models (two-dimensional equations, such as Y=f(t)) and anamorphic and polymorphic dynamic site equations (three-dimensional site-height-age models, such as Y=f(t,t₀,y₀)) derived from them. The considered base models were selected as previously suitable for Scots pine in other studies, and they were different variations of the Gompertz and Hossfeld models. We compare all the models with each other in terms of their fits to our data. The base models were fit to individual site classes. The derived base-age invariant anamorphic and polymorphic dynamic site equations were fit to all sites pooled together. All the fits were based on base-age invariant stochastic regressions, in which the global model parameters that are common to all data are estimated simultaneously with the site-specific effects that are different for each of the site productivity series. The presented models, methods, and conclusions, are also applicable to modeling of other stand growth attributes and species.

Author Keywords:

yield tables, site productivity, site index model, growth model, dynamic equations, initial condition models.

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