0. Introduction to the course
Course outline
Grading method
Textbooks and other reading material
1. Overview of forest models
Need for forest models
What is a forest model?
Model structure
Inputs
Forest management approaches
Prescriptions and scenarios
Evolution of forest models
Empirical models
Process based models
Hybrid models
Model selection according to each specific use
Stages in model development
Simulators and decision support tools
2. Data for forest models development
Permanent plots
Designed trials – silviculture, genetic and other trials
Continuous forest inventory
Stem analysis
Stand table projection
Total stem analysis
3. Some topics related to tree and stand growth modeling
Tree and stand growth
The sigmoid curve
Increments
Periodic and current increments
Mean annual increment
Components of growth
Net growth of the main stand
Net Growth
Gross growth
Ingrowth
Components of volume
Standing volume
Thinned volume
Total volume
Productivity of the ecosystem: GPP, NPP and NEP
Growth and yield relationships
Allometric relationships
4. Growth functions
Empirical versus mechanistic or theoretical growth functions
Growth functions of the Lundqvist-Korf type
Growth functions of the Richards type
Growth functions of the Hossfeld IV type
Other growth functions
Zeide decomposition of growth functions
Formulating growth functions without age explicit
Families of growth curves
Expressing parameters as function of site and stand variables
Formulating the growth functions as difference equations
Mixed-effects modeling
Combination of methods
5. Site productivity and productivity management
6. Site index curves and dominant height growth
Methods to develop site index curves
The guide curve method
Difference equation approach
Algebraic difference approach (ADA)
Generalized algebraic difference approach (GADA)
Mixed-effects models for dominant height growth prediction
7. Yield tables
Building an yield table using the concept of total stand volume
8. Whole stand models for even-aged stands
Modules, principal and derived variables
Silvicultural treatments - thinnings
The GLOBULUS model - eucalyptus
9. Diameter distribution models for even-aged stands
Modules, principal and derived variables
Silvicultural treatments - thinnings
The PBRAVO model – maritime pine
10. Individual tree models
Measuring inter-tree competition
Modules, principal and derived variables
Modeling tree diameter and height growth
Predicting tree mortality
Prediction modules
The SUBER model – cork oak
11. Management oriented process-based and hybrid models
The 3PG model
Structure, growth and prediction modules
Calibration and validation
The GLOB-3PG model
The parameter sparse YieldSAFE model
Structure, growth and prediction modules
Calibration and validation
12. Evaluation of forest models
Theoretical aspects of model building
Logic of model structure and biological aspects
Characterization of model errors
Evaluating model bias and precision
Computing modeling efficiency
Looking for tendencies in model error
Statistical tests
Data for model validation