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CenW: a generic forest growth model.
Authors: M. U. F. KirschbaumPublication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2000, Issue N.Z.J.For. 45(1) 2000, pp 15-19, May 2000
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry
Abstract: CenW is a comprehensive forest growth model based on linked flows of carbon, energy, nutrients and water in trees and the soil. Overall model function depends on physiological plant factors, the size of plant pools, such as foliage mass, environmental factors, such as temperature and rainfall, and the total amount and turn-over rates of soil organic matter, which drives the mineralisation of soil organic nitrogen.
The model was validated against experimental data obtained for Pinus radiata from the Biology of Forest Growth (BFG) site near Canberra, Australia. The BFG experiment was conducted over five years, and included controls and treatments with irrigation and/ or fertiliser addition. Growth rates across treatments ranged about 2V2 -fold. The model realistically simulated water use, foliage production and turn-over rates, foliar nitrogen dynamics, wood production and stand architecture over a wide range in response to variations in the availability of water and nitrogen from experimental treatments and natural variations in rainfall. The model can be used to simulate the effects of silvicultural treatments, such as stand thinning or fertiliser addition, or to assess the growth effect of changes in environmental conditions.