scholarly journals An Inventory of Tree and Stand Growth Empirical Modelling Approaches with Potential Application in Coppice Forestry (a Review)

2015 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 1789-1801 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal Kneifl ◽  
Jan Kadavý ◽  
Robert Knott ◽  
Zdeněk Adamec ◽  
Karel Drápela
Keyword(s):  
Growth Models ◽  
Morphological Variability ◽  
Decision Support Tool ◽  
Support Tool ◽  
Empirical Modelling ◽  
Diameter Increment ◽  
Coppice Management ◽  
Growth Simulator ◽  
Production Modelling ◽  
Modelling Approaches

We examined currently available empirical growth models which could be potentially applicable to coppice growth and production modelling. We compiled a summary of empirical models applied in coppices, high forests and fast-growing tree plantations, including coppice plantations. The collected growth models were analysed in order to find out whether they encompassed any of 13 key dendrometric and structural variables that we found as characteristic for coppices. There is no currently available complex growth model for coppices in Europe. Furthermore, many aspects of coppice growth process have been totally ignored or omitted in the most common modelling approaches so far. Within-stool competition, mortality and stool morphological variability are the most important parameters. However, some individual empirical submodels or their parts are potentially applicable for coppice growth and production modelling (e. g. diameter increment model or model of resprouting probability). As the issue of coppice management gains attention, the need for a decision support tool (e.g. coppice growth simulator) becomes more actual.

scholarly journals Incorporating Thinning Response into a Loblolly Pine Stand Simulator

2001 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 159-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
James A. Westfall ◽  
Harold E. Burkhart
Keyword(s):  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Growth Models ◽  
Predictive Ability ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Original Form ◽  
Response Variable ◽  
Thinning Intensity ◽  
Diameter Increment ◽  
Growth Simulator ◽  
Pinus Taeda L

Abstract Effects of thinning, such as increased diameter growth and decreased mortality in the residual stand, are largely the result of increased tree vigor induced by a decreased level of competition. These relationships are reflected in the models that are central to PTAEDA2, a growth and yield simulator developed for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations. A long-term thinning study served as a basis for attempting to improve the predictive output of PTAEDA2. The growth models were refit using data from plots that received different thinning intensity treatments. Height increment and mortality models were found to need no additional refinement to account for response changes due to effects of thinning. The refit diameter increment and crown ratio models in PTAEDA2 could not account for thinning effects in their original form, and thinning response functions that exhibit proper behavioral response were added to these models. Models were evaluated individually and in combinations in a reduced growth simulator that contained the growth subroutines from PTAEDA2. Results showed significant improvements in predictive ability when using the diameter increment model with thinning response variable. There were no significant improvements in crown ratio prediction when the crown ratio model with thinning response variable was utilized. The thinning response modifications resulted in unanticipated model behavior when incorporated into the stand simulator, indicating that careful evaluation of the behavior of stand-level prediction is needed. South. J. Appl. For. 25(4):159–164.

The GrassGro decision support tool: its effectiveness in simulating pasture and animal production and value in determining research priorities

2000 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 247 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. G. Clark ◽  
J. R. Donnelly ◽  
A. D. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Decision Support ◽  
Growth Models ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Decision Support Tool ◽  
Animal Production ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Rooting Depth ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Support Tool ◽  
Wide Range

The GrassGro decision support tool combines animal intake and nutrition models, soil moisture and pasture growth models with management rules. GrassGro simulates pasture and animal production using a wide range of pasture species and sheep and cattle enterprises. Data from the Temperate Pasture Sustainability Key Program grazing management sites were used to validate the predictions of GrassGro. The pasture and animal production from a diverse range of sites were successfully simulated. Limitations of GrassGro were identified (parameter sets not available for some pasture species, inability to simulate clumpy swards, rudimentary interspecies competition model) and some improvements were made to its performance (improved species parameter sets and improved modeling of rooting depth). Recommendations are made on priority areas of research to improve GrassGro and on improvements in methodology which could be adopted by future programs like Temperate Pasture Sustainability Key Program.

A protocol for sampling pastures in hill country

2016 ◽  
Vol 78 ◽  
pp. 203-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.J. Hutchinson ◽  
D.R. Scobie ◽  
J. Beautrais ◽  
A.D. Mackay ◽  
G.M. Rennie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Random Sampling ◽  
Geographical Information Systems ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Decision Support Tool ◽  
Accurate Estimate ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Support Tool ◽  
Topographic Complexity ◽  
Hill Country

To develop a protocol to guide pasture sampling for estimation of paddock pasture mass in hill country, a range of pasture sampling strategies, including random sampling, transects and stratification based on slope and aspect, were evaluated using simulations in a Geographical Information Systems computer environment. The accuracy and efficiency of each strategy was tested by sampling data obtained from intensive field measurements across several farms, regions and seasons. The number of measurements required to obtain an accurate estimate was related to the overall pasture mass and the topographic complexity of a paddock, with more variable paddocks requiring more samples. Random sampling from average slopes provided the best balance between simplicity and reliability. A draft protocol was developed from the simulations, in the form of a decision support tool, where visual determination of the topographic complexity of the paddock, along with the required accuracy, were used to guide the number of measurements recommended. The protocol was field tested and evaluated by groups of users for efficacy and ease of use. This sampling protocol will offer farmers, consultants and researchers an efficient, reliable and simple way to determine pasture mass in New Zealand hill country settings. Keywords: hill country, feed budgeting, protocol pasture mass, slope

Neural Network Ensemble Approach to Pushed Convoys Dispatching Problems

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandar Radonjić ◽  
Danijela Pjevčević ◽  
Vladislav Maraš
Keyword(s):  
Neural Network ◽  
Decision Support Tool ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Danube River ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Neural Network Ensemble ◽  
Support Tool ◽  
Shipping Company ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Power Measurements

AbstractThis paper investigates the use of neural networks (NNs) for the problem of assigning push boats to barge convoys in inland waterway transportation (IWT). Push boat–barge convoy assignmentsare part of the daily decision-making process done by dispatchers in IWT companiesforwhich a decision support tool does not exist. The aim of this paper is to develop a Neural Network Ensemble (NNE) model that will be able to assist in push boat–barge convoy assignments based on the push boat power.The primary objective of this paper is to derive an NNE model for calculation of push boat Shaft Powers (SHPs) by using less than 100% of the experimental data available. The NNE model is applied to a real-world case of more than one shipping company from the Republic of Serbia, which is encountered on the Danube River. The solution obtained from the NNE model is compared toreal-world full-scale speed/power measurements carried out on Serbian push boats, as well as with the results obtained from the previous NNE model. It is found that the model is highly accurate, with scope for further improvements.

A Decision Support Tool for Evaluating Big Data Investment in Transport: Empirical evidence from European use cases of NOESIS project

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christos Katrakazas ◽  
Natalia Sobrino ◽  
Ilias Trochidis ◽  
Jose Manuel Vassallo ◽  
Stratos Arampatzis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Decision Support ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Decision Support Tool ◽  
Use Cases ◽  
Support Tool
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