ECOLOGICAL SIMULATION-MODEL FOR STUDYING DIVERSITY OF STAND STRUCTUREIN BOREAL FORESTS

A gap model was developed for studying stand structure from the standp oint of biological diversity. In this model, stand structure is descri bed by the diameter distribution of living and dead trees. The stage o f decay and position of dead trees are also shown. The model output wa s compared with results from the literature representing sites in nort hern Europe, i.e. Finland, Sweden and Russian Karelia. The growth and structure of the pure pine stand were similar to those of measured sta nds, and the growth of spruce and birch stands were quite similar to t hat of the measured stands; but growth of alder and aspen stands devia ted from that of measured stands. The growth and structure of a mixed stand were quite similar to the growth and structure of measured stand s. Pure and mixed stands responded to management as would be expected based on the model. The model, which elaborately outlines how differen t forest management practices affect stand structure, can be used as a tool for research and decision making. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.