Zeide, B. 1997. Construction of Growth Types for Southern Pine Species.
Canadian Journal of Forest Research (submitted).
Previously it was shown that by normalizing existing height-age curves
at two ages, the diversity of height growth can be condensed to 16 growth
types. Along with growth processes, cross-group series of 354 published
site index curves from 7 pine species were investigated. As a result, this
study produces the ultimate compression of height growth information to
one guide type supplemented by a harmonizing function. As compared with
the Chapman-Richards equation, growth types require less information (two
versus at least three points), and yet they are more accurate. Growth types
are also more general. Fitting of a growth-type equation involves
calculation of parameters specific to each curve, while the universal
guide type and the harmonizing function are applicable to any stand. The
growth-type curves are now included as a subroutine in the
LINKAGES model
which is a component of the Linked Dynamic Model of the
Integrated
Modeling Project. Simulated growth types for loblolly pine, obtained
for alternative modeling scenarios, are used to infer responses of
other southern pine species that are not specifically simulated.