Validation of growth models used in forest management

Authors: C.J. Goulding
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1979, Issue N.Z.J.For. 24(1) 1979, pp 108-124, May 1979
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

Abstract: The concept of validation is discussed in the context of models used for simulating the growth of trees. Validation attempts to increase confidence in a model's ability to provide useful and correct inferences about the growth of stands, rather than to prove a model is correct. The ability to predict levels in yield can be tested by comparison with sample-plot data or stands with known plot-histories. Confidence in the inferences drawn from the model's behaviour can be obtained from extensive running of the model using designed experiments.