Testing the application of process-based forest growth model PREBAS to uneven-aged forests in Finland

The challenges of applying process-based models to uneven-aged forests are the difficulties in simulating the interactions between trees and resource allocation between size classes. In this study, we focused on a process-based forest growth model PREBAS which is a mean tree model with Reineke self-thinning mortality and was originally developed for even-aged forests. The primary aim was to test the application of PREBAS model to uneven-aged forests by introducing different diameter at breast height (DBH) size classes to better represent the forest structure. Additionally, we introduced a new mortality model MORnew to PREBAS which is developed for uneven-aged stands and compared with the current PREBAS version in which a modification Reineke rule is used. The tests were conducted in 26 old Norway spruce dominated stands in southern and central Finland with three consecutive measurements (on average a 25-year study period). To evaluate the model performance, we compared the estimations of stand averaged diameter at breast height (D), stand averaged tree height (H), stand averaged crown base height (Hc), stand basal area (B) and density (N) with measurements. Moreover, biomass estimations of each tree component (foliage, branch and stem) were compared to estimations from empirical models. Results showed that introducing size distributions can represent better stand structure and improve the model predictions compared with data. Moreover, the new mortality model MORnew showed promise with qualitatively more realistic results especially among the largest tree size classes. However, model bias still existed in the simulation although the predictions were improved. It revealed that further calibration of the PREBAS model with size classes should be done to better extend the model applicability to uneven-aged forests.