Modelling the yield of Pinus radiata on a site limited by water and nitrogen

Abstract

A process-based model is described and applied to a range of Pinus radiata D. Don stands, aged 9–12 years, growing on stabilised sand dunes in a stocking × fertiliser experiment in Woodhill State Forest, New Zealand. The model requires inputs of daily weather data (maximum and minimum air temperatures and rainfall), physical characteristics of the site (longitude, latitude, rootzone depth and relationship between root-zone soil matric potential and volumetric water-content) and crop (stocking, crown dimensions and leaf-area index) and crop physiological parameters (e.g., maximum stomatal conductance). The model was used to simulate components of the forest water-balance and annual net photosynthesis for a defined crop canopy architecture. Simulated daily root-zone water storage in both open and closed canopy stands generally agreed with monthly measurements made over a complete year. Simulated net annual photosynthesis ranged from 23 to 33 t C ha −1 year −1 and comparison with measured stem-volume increments of 12–38 m 3 ha −1 year −1 over the same time periods resulted in a strong positive correlation. Ratios of stem-volume increment to net photosynthesis suggested that fertilised and unfertilised stands had a 26 and 14%, respetively, allocation of C to stem growth. Simulations using weather data for a dry year with 941 mm year −1 rainfall indicated that annual net photosynthesis and transpiration of fully stocked stands were reduced by 41 and 45%, respectively, compared to those in a wet year with 153 mm year −1 rainfall. Operational applications of the model to forest management in quantifying environmental requirements for stand growth and examining silvicultural alternatives are discussed.