MODELING TREE GROWTH IN FERTILIZED MIDROTATION LOBLOLLY-PINE PLANTATIONS

Diameter and height growth models for fertilized loblolly pine stands were developed using data from midrotation loblolly pine plantations a cross the southeastern United States. Tree growth in fertilized stands was predicted with a reference growth model multiplied by an equation predicting the relative growth response following fertilization. The temporal distribution of the growth response was modeled by the Weibul l function. These equations for fertilizer growth response were develo ped to be compatible with individual-tree simulation models. Informati on about dose, nutrient elements, and time elapsed since fertilization are needed to predict the relative growth response following fertiliz ation. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.