Mj. Lexer et K. Honninger, A modified 3D-patch model for spatially explicit simulation of vegetation composition in heterogeneous landscapes, FOREST ECOL, 144(1-3), 2001, pp. 43-65
Based on a comprehensive review of gap models (patch models sensu Shugart)
the newly developed model PICUS v1.2 is described. Proceeding from the fact
that most existing patch models have proven to generate reliable results w
ith respect to species compositions at regional scales, PICUS v1.2. is inte
nded to provide spatially explicit site-specific decision support to forest
resource managers regarding long-term vegetation development in heterogene
ous alpine landscapes. The model is based on a 3D-core structure which allo
ws the spatially explicit simultaneous simulation of several hectares of mu
ltiple species forests. Special emphasis is given to (i) the implementation
of a light model for both direct and diffuse radiation, (ii) to the modifi
cation of the temperature and soil moisture response functions, which have
been parameterised based on the combined network of large-scale forest inve
ntory data and meteorological data, and (iii) the development of a fuzzy lo
gic control unit to model the effect of site nutrient status on vegetation
development. As a first test PICUS v1.2 is applied to simulate equilibrium
species composition spatially explicit in heterogeneous alpine landscapes a
t sample plots of the Austrian Forest Soil Survey along a transect through
the Eastern Alps. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.