Evaluating Site Quality

Abstract

Drawing upon a wealth of past research and results, this book provides a comprehensive summary of state-of-the-art methods for empirical modeling of forest trees and stands. It opens by detailing whole-stand, size-class and individual-tree modeling approaches and moves on to incorporating silvicultural treatments and wood characteristics in growth and yield models. It concludes with a discussion on choosing an appropriate level of resolution for forest stand modeling as well as evaluating and implementing growth and yield models. Ideal for graduate-level forestry courses, this book is also useful for researchers working in growth and yield modeling., This book will provide a comprehensive summary of state-of-the-art methods for empirical modeling of forest trees and stands. Quantifying the volume, taper, form, weight and biomass of trees will be provided. In-depth coverage of modeling forest stand development will include methods for quantifying site quality as well as stand and point density. Whole-stand, size-class, and individual-tree modeling approaches will be presented in detail followed by chapters on incorporating silvicuultural treatments and wood characteristics in growth and yield models. The book will conclude with a chapter on choosing an appropriate level of resolution for forest stand modeling, evaluating and implementing growth and yield models. Primarily a textbook but important reference for researchers using these methods.This book is intended for use as a text for graduate-level courses and as a reference for researchers working in growth and yield modeling. It is aimed at summarizing and interpreting past results from modeling forest trees and stands, thus providing a readily accessible base from which future researchers can build and move forward.