Implications of disaggregation in forest growth and yield modeling

Abstract

Growth and yield simulators may be characterized with regard to the aggregation structure employed. Individual-tree simulators are an example of a passive aggregation approach. Whole-stand models represent an active aggregation structure. Of particular interest is the disaggregative modeling approach, which employs elements of both individual-tree and whole-stand simulators. The apparent resolution of the disaggregative model is at the tree-level; however, the functional resolution is at the stand level. Disaggregation may be achieved with either additive or proportional allocation of growth. Additive allocation may not ensure positive individual-tree projections of growth. Either may be constrained so as to maintain symmetry between the whole-stand projection of growth and the aggregate of predicted tree growth. Traditionally, the disaggregative approach has seen the application of very simple structures for allocation of growth depending on tree dimension alone. However, the concept may be generalized to include traditional individual-tree growth equations constrained so as to act as an allocation of predicted stand growth.