|
Light has been identified as a key component for modelling complex stand growth.
We have integrated a promising light model called tRAYci (Brunner 1998) into TASS,
which
simulates light penetration of tree crowns and estimates how much light reaches different points of the forest floor throughout the growing season.
Using the light model to simulate complex stand growth requires linking the light reaching the stand to light reaching individual trees in all canopy layers and then to individual tree growth. Field research
is providing information on the amount
of light reaching individual trees and the subsequent growth response. As well
as the Pothole site, light and growth studies have been completed at Burton
Creek (EP1191), Westwold (EP987), and Roberts Creek (EP1256). We now have
preliminary generalized growth modifying functions for coastal and interior
Douglas-fir and western hemlock (Simpson 2007). Further work is underway on
coastal species at the STEMS trial (EP1213) and on lodgepole pine in the
southern interior (EP1135). References:Brunner, A. 1998. A
light model for spatially explicit forest stand models. For. Ecol. Manage.
107:19-46.
Simpson, D.G. 2007. Light and tree growth in complex forest stands. Final
technical report to the Forest Investment Account Forest Science Program,
Project Y073092. |
