Models for simulating the development of even-aged Pinus brutia stands in Middle East

Sergio De Miguel,Nabil Assaf,Marc Palahí,Timo Pukkala,Zuheir Shater,Bassel Kraid

doi:10.5424/fs/2010193-9046

Abstract

Pinus brutia occurs in the Eastern Mediterranean region and is the most widespread conifer species in Middle East. It is important for multi-purpose forestry owing to its high ecological value and economic importance. To model the stand dynamics of P. brutia, 133 semi-permanent sample plots were placed in 10 to 166 year-old stands in Syria and Lebanon, covering the whole range of variation in site quality, stand age and stand density. Site index, distance-independent diameter increment, height and self-thinning models that included country effects were fitted to the data. The site index model was fitted using the guide curve method. The data for 10-year diameter growth model consisted of past growth measurements of all trees within the 133 plots. Diameter growth was modelled using variables representing site, size and competition. The self-thinning model was developed by estimating the maximum number of trees per hectare as a function of mean diameter and site index. These are the first cross-border models in Middle East enabling forest growth and yield predictions and stand dynamics simulations on an individual-tree basis. Such models will allow, with the aid of optimization techniques, finding the optimal forest management for P. brutia forests based on different management objectives.

Highlights

Pinus brutia Ten. subsp. brutia occurs naturally mainly in the Eastern Mediterranean region covering extensive areas in Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Lebanon and Syria
This study presents, for the first time, cross-border growth models for predicting the development of pure even-aged P. brutia stands in Middle East
Whereas in Middle East height growth almost stops at 40-50 years, in NorthEast Greece the site index curves are more linear, they show faster growth than the model for Middle East at young ages, and the dominant height continues growing even after 100 years

Summary

Introduction

Pinus brutia Ten. subsp. brutia occurs naturally mainly in the Eastern Mediterranean region covering extensive areas in Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Lebanon and Syria. In Middle East it is the main forest species and the most widespread conifer. P. brutia grows naturally from 0 up to 1,600 meters above sea level and thrives in Mediterranean climate characterised by hot and dry summers and mild and rainy winters. It is generally found in thermo-Mediterranean and mesoMediterranean zones. The optimal development of the species seems to be within the Eu-Mediterranean altitudinal zone, below 800 meters above sea level (Fontaine et al, 2007). In Middle East, most P. brutia forests are found in the humid, sub-humid and semi-arid bioclimatic zones (Nahal, 1983; Quézel, 1985)

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Conclusion