Impact of plot size on individual-tree competition measures for growth and yield simulators

Abstract

The study addresses the effect of sample plot size on the bias related to measured stand density. We analyzed the effect of plot size on model coefficients and model performance in the simulation. Alternative growth models were developed for Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) on the basis of data obtained from permanent inventory sample plots of varying size. The competition measures were estimated from small plots with an average radius of 6 m, large plots with an average radius of 10 m, a cluster of three small plots within a stand, and a cluster of three large plots within a stand. The response of the models to competition varied depending on the plot size. Increasing the plot size increased the sensitivity of the models to the variation of overall stand density and the competitive status of a tree. The development of repeatedly measured, unthinned and thinned Norway spruce sample plots was simulated with the models, and the predictions were compared with the observed development. In the unthinned stand, the model with competition measures based on small plots resulted in a higher and more biased prediction of growth and mortality than the models based on larger plots. In the thinned stand, the differences between the models were negligible.