Juho Matala

Comparison of a physiological model and a statistical model for prediction of growth and yield in boreal forests

The structural and functional properties of a physiological model (FinnFor) and a statistical model (Motti), developed independently, were analysed in order to assess whether the former would provide the same prediction capacity as the latter, which is based on a huge body of long-term inventory data. The predictions were compared in terms of (i) stand-level variables, (ii) analysis of volume growth graphs, and (iii) stand structure variables (diameter and height distributions). Both unmanaged and managed (thinned) stands of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), Norway spruce (Picea abies) and silver birch (Betula pendula) growing on medium-fertility sites in central Finland were used for the comparison. In general, the outputs of the models agreed well in terms of relative growth rates regardless of tree species, with the implication that both predict competition within a stand and the effect of position on tree growth in a similar way. The statistical model was stable in its predictions, but not as sensitive to initial stand conditions and management as that based on physiological processes, but the two models agreed well in their dynamics and predictions. The process-based model may therefore be applied to practical management situations, in order to achieve more precise predictions under changing environmental conditions, as in the case of climate warming. On the other hand, some elements of process-model thinking could be incorporated into statistical models in order to make these responsive to changing conditions.

Assessing and modeling moose (Alces alces) habitats with airborne laser scanning data

Abstract In the analysis of forest resources, the use of ALS (airborne laser scanning) enables detailed three dimensional (3D) descriptions of forests and their vegetation. Simultaneously, ecologists have recognized that 3D information on vegetation is highly important in analyzing the habitat suitability of a given site. Recently, animals’ habitat preferences have been analyzed, for example, with GPS-collared animals. This has resulted in detailed knowledge about the animals’ movements both spatially and temporally. This study combines 3D information on vegetation obtained from ALS data with information about animal locations from GPS data. The aim was to map and analyze the habitat preferences of moose. The study area was located on the west coast of Finland. The data consisted of 18 GPS-collared moose (monitored from 2009 to 2010) and ALS data collected in 2010. We investigated how habitat structure changes as a function of distance to observed moose locations and how observed moose locations differ from randomly selected locations in terms of 3D structure. We also created a model-based habitat suitability map and tested it against moose occurrences. The results suggested that there are clear differences between the areas occupied and not occupied by moose and that these differences can be detected from ALS data. More importantly, ALS proved its potential in linking 3D descriptions of vegetation directly to observed moose locations without any proxy variables. These observations strongly support future studies.

Litterfall in relation to volume growth of trees: Analysis based on literature

Abstract For the calculation of carbon balance, estimates of litterfall are needed as a measure of carbon accumulation into soil. Estimation of litterfall should reflect the structural and functional properties of stands that are affected by changes in growing conditions caused, for example, by management activities or climate change. In this context, possibilities taking into account this dynamic relationship between growing conditions and litterfall were analysed by correlating litterfall with growth of trees. As extensive data for modelling this relationship are difficult to obtain, existing literature were analysed to formulate a general model applicable to forestry scenario modelling in practical forest planning under varying conditions. Empirical results from the literature were analysed to ascertain how litterfall is related to the structural and functional properties of tree stands, including the volume growth of stemwood. Further analysis related tree-level growth to litterfall for forest scenario modelling purposes. Data from the literature showed a clear relationship between forest growth and litterfall, and a tree-level linear model was estimated.