Development and applications of a growth model for Pinus radiata D. Don plantations in El Bierzo (Spain)

A dynamic growth model for Pinus radiata D. Don plantations in El Bierzo (Spain) was developed with data from two inventories of permanent plots, of between 7 and 36 years old, established by the University of Leon. In this model, stand conditions at any point in time are defined by three state variables (stand basal area, number of trees per hectare and dominant height). The model includes three transition functions derived by the generalized algebraic difference approach to enable projection of the state variables at any particular time. Once they are known, the number of trees in each diameter class is estimated with a distribution function, by recovery of the parameters of the Weibull function by use of the moments method. Finally, a generalized height-diameter function and a taper function allow estimation of total or merchantable stand volume. The model provides satisfactory predictions for a time interval of three years. Simulation of the growth of four stands under two silvicultural regimes and two different sites confirm that the estimates provided by the overall model adequately represent the effects of both stand density and site quality. Other applications for the model are analysed and discussed.