Growth models of hard maple forest in southern Ontario

grantor: University of TorontoTwo matrix growth models of mixed uneven-aged hard maple forest are developed using transition probabilities as deterministic and random variables respectively. These two growth models are estimated using growth data (growth period 5 years) from 30 permanent sample plots in southern Ontario. The matrix growth model with deterministic transition probabilities is used to obtain the steady state of the stand. These two matrix growth models are used to simulate the stand dynamics (diameter class distributions) for 100 years. In deterministic mode, stand reaches steady state after 110 years. Stand dynamics is almost similar in deterministic and random modes. The model with deterministic transition probabilities is solved for constant yield and nonconstant yield by linear programming, and nonconstant yield by MAXMIN approach. The comparison of results shows that the harvest regime obtained by MAXMIN approach is better than others.M.Sc.F