Simulation of Individual Tree Growth and Stand Development in Loblolly Pine Plantations on Cutover, Site-Prepared Areas

A forest stand simulator, PTAEDA2, was developed to model growth in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations on cutover, site-prepared areas. Individual trees were used as the basic growth units. In PTAEDA2, trees are assigned coordinate locations in a stand and 'grown' annually as a function of their size, the site quality, and the competition from neighbors. Growth increments are adjusted by stochastic elements representing genetic and microsite variability. Mortality is generated stochastically through Bernouli trials, Subroutines were developed to simulate the effects of hardwood competition, thinning, and fertilization on tree and stand development. Options for varying the spatial location of trees to mimic randomness in machine and hand planting operations are also included.