© 2000 Heron Publishing—Victoria, Canada
Application of process-based models to forest management: experience with PROMOD, a simple plantation productivity model
P. J. Sands (1), M. Battaglia (1) and D. Mummery (1)
1. Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Production Forestry and CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products, GPO Box 252-12, Hobart,
Tasmania 7001, Australia / Received October 22, 1998
Summary
Process-based growth models are rarely used as a basis for decisions in forest management. Reasons for this are discussed
and the development and application of PROMOD, a simple process-based plantation productivity model designed to meet the needs
of managers, is described. In particular,PROMOD is intended for screening prospective plantation sites on the basis of readily
available input data, including site latitude, soil characteristics, and long-term climate data. Originally developed for
use with Eucalyptus globulus Labill., PROMOD has since been parameterized also for Eucalyptus nitens (Deane & Maiden) Maiden and Pinus radiata D. Don. We discuss the adaptation of PROMOD to new environmental conditions and species; the sensitivity of the model's predictions
to changes in model structure, the values of its physiological parameters and the accuracy and resolution of site survey information;
and the use of the model both in assessing the profitability of plantation irrigation in semi-arid regions, and for generating
broad-area productivity maps.
Keywords:
broad-area productivity maps, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus nitens, irrigation, Pinus radiata, profitability, sensitivity.
