© 1995 Heron Publishing—Victoria, Canada
Prediction of stem profile of Picea abies using a process-based tree growth model
Christine Deleuze (1) and François Houllier (2)
1. Laboratoire de Biométrie, Génétique et Biologie des Populations, CNRS-URA 243, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 43 Boulevard
du 11 novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France / 2. Unité Dynamique des Systèmes Forestiers, ENGREF, 14 rue Girardet, 54042 Nancy Cedex, France / Received April 12, 1994
Summary
We built a simple tree growth model for Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) that describes the biomass and stem radial growth of one tree in a stand. Growth is controlled by an external
height growth function that accounts for site quality. Crown recession is represented by an empirical function that accounts
for the limitation to crown development caused by mechanical contacts with neighboring trees. The model describes biomass
growth based on carbon budget (photosynthesis, respiration and senescence) and carbon partitioning between foliage, stem and
root compartments. An internal regulation is introduced based on a functional balance between crown and root development.
Stem annual growth is distributed along the stem by means of an empirical rule. Stem profile is the final output of the model
and can be used to check the overall consistency of the model and as an aid in wood quality studies. The underlying assumptions
of the model are described.
Keywords:
carbon budget, process model, stem analysis.
