An Inventory of Tree and Stand Growth Empirical Modelling Approaches with Potential Application in Coppice Forestry (a Review)

Abstract

We examined currently available empirical growth models which could be potentially applicable to coppice growth and production modelling. We compiled a summary of empirical models applied in coppices, high forests and fast-growing tree plantations, including coppice plantations. The collected growth models were analysed in order to find out whether they encompassed any of 13 key dendrometric and structural variables that we found as characteristic for coppices. There is no currently available complex growth model for coppices in Europe. Furthermore, many aspects of coppice growth process have been totally ignored or omitted in the most common modelling approaches so far. Within-stool competition, mortality and stool morphological variability are the most important parameters. However, some individual empirical submodels or their parts are potentially applicable for coppice growth and production modelling (e. g. diameter increment model or model of resprouting probability). As the issue of coppice management gains attention, the need for a decision support tool (e.g. coppice growth simulator) becomes more actual.

Keywords

• competition
• dendrometric variables
• mortality
• resprouting
• shoots
• short-rotation forestry