Predicting and Modeling Hardwood Regeneration

In contrast to growth and yield models that simulate the development of even-age stands 20-years old or more (TWIGS: Miner and others 1988; STEMS: Belcher and others 1982; and, OAKSIM: Hilt 1985), regeneration prediction models predict structure or composition of new stands during the first two decades after final harvest. This type of modeling is extremely difficult owing to the highly stochastic nature (both spatially and temporally) of regeneration events. Here wedescribesome regeneration prediction models that simulate the development of new stands.

• Predicting Reproduction in the southern Appalachian Uplands
• Prediction of Oak Regeneration in Bottomland Forests
• Regenerating Northern Red Oak in the Southern Appalachians

Regeneration models are useful silvicultural tools for assessing stand regeneration potential. Using such models usually requires an inventory of the advance reproduction and the overstory. The practical application of predictive regeneration models thus does not differ greatly from the application of growth and yield models (Johnson 1993). Some essential conceptsfor predicting and modeling oak regeneration, such as acorn, seedling, and sprout dynamics must be kept in mind.

• Essential concepts for predicting oak regeneration