Modelling Patagonian Lenga-forest dynamics (Nothofagus pumilio) in Chile

• Applicant: Dr. Tobias Mette
• Subject Area: Forestry
• Term: from 2011 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 192579022

The dynamics of Patagonian Lenga-forests (Nothofagus pumilio) will be studied at two long-term investigation sites of the University of Chile of Santiago. Field data will be acquired in two field campaigns and involve structural surveys, increment coring and stem analyses. The aim of the proposed project is to model Lenga forest dynamics with an individual tree-based modelling approach. Building upon experience with the SILVA model, the major challenge lies in the old growth and regeneration phase, and the gap heterogeneity which can only be represented on the landscape scale. The approach is unique in a sense that it applies principles from individual-tree modelling to the classical field of gap models. It profits from the strong competition algorithms and structural sensitivity of individual tree models and overcomes the limitation of regular grids in gap models. The project will unite 30 years field experience and data collection at the U.Chile and the modelling background at the TUM. Besides the progress in the understanding of forest growth processes, the growth model will support the sustainable silvicultural management of the resource Lenga.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Chile
• Participating Person: Dr. Juan Caldentey