Comparison and benchmarking of functional-structural tree models at the example of GreenLab and LIGNUM, applied to Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)

• Applicant: Dr. Katarina Streit
• Subject Area: Forestry ; Plant Physiology
• Term: from 2014 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 262633512

Functional-structural plant models (FSPMs) are complex simulation models that intend to simulate the interactions between plant structure and ecophysiology. Evaluation and comparison of these models is difficult because of several issues. On one hand, the models can be of great complexity, depending on the physiological processes included, and the spatial and the time scale, which makes their proper parameterization and statistical analysis difficult. On the other hand, more technically, the models are implemented in various programming languages and tools, based on different theoretical formalisms. In this study, we will investigate how methods of mathematical modelling can be applied for comparison and benchmarking of complex FSPMs. Two well-established generic FSPMs will be used, GreenLab and LIGNUM, evaluated at the example of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). Both models have already been partially implemented in the same programming language (XL) and on the same simulation platform (GroIMP). While the execution of both models for simulating growth and structure will be performed in GroIMP, the software tool PYGMALION will be used to perform the parameterization and evaluation of the models. An interface will be developed to connect both tools. Based on the results, the possibilities of providing standardized methods and tools for a qualitative and quantitative comparison of complex FSPMs will be investigated.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: France
• Host: Professor Dr. Paul-Henry Cournède