Scientific Foundations for the Simulation of Ecosystem Function and Management in FORCYTE-11

Book excerpt: The FORCYTE-11 (FORest nutrient Cycling and Yield Trend Evaluator) forest simulation model combines the traditional historical bioassay modeling approach with process-based simulation modeling. It provides a method of predicting future forest biomass yield under a variety of management conditions. The hybrid simulation approach to modeling the management and long-term productivity of forested ecosystems is reviewed, and the representation of production ecology, succession, and various nutrient transfer pathways in FORCYTE-11 are described. The key driving function in the model (foliage nitrogen efficiency), the concept of site quality, and the simulation of site quality change that is used in the model are discussed. The importance of an accurate definition of the state of the simulated ecosystem at the start of a run is emphasized, and the use of the ECOSTATE (STATE of the ECOsystem, as generated by FORCYTE-11) file in this process is described. Examples of how FORCYTE-11 can simulate secondary succession and the impacts of forest management on ecosystem form and function are given. There is a brief review of the limitations of the FORCYTE-11 modeling approach.