The prediction of forest production from inventory and climatic data

• Published in: Ecological modelling Vol. 23; no. 3; pp. 227 - 241
• Main Authors: Downing, John A., Weber, Laura A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.01.1984; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; biomass; climatic conditions; Dendrometry. Forest inventory; ecology; Forestry; forests; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; mathematical models; meteorology; prediction; primary production; Climate; Production; Forest; Biomass; Mathematical model; Forecasting; Inventory
• ISSN: 0304-3800; 1872-7026
• DOI: 10.1016/0304-3800(84)90102-9

Published data are analyzed to produce equations that predict rates of net production and net harvestable production of forests. These equations can be applied between the latitudes of 31° and 65° N and S, and use common biotic and abiotic site descriptors as independent variables. Forest biomass (or basal area) and age are of primary importance, while climatic conditions perform a significant role. The equations are shown to make more accurate predictions of forest production than the Miami Model, which is based on climatic conditions alone. Example applications are presented that examine the effects of forest age and biomass on production to biomass ratios, and the effects of climate on the energy fixation and storage efficiency of forests.