Utilization of tree species stratum data in forest planning simulations

The objective here was to investigate the theoretical benefit of using tree species stratum forest inventory data instead of stand-level mean data in forest-planning simulations. This comparison was based on timing differences in thinning and clear-cuttings during a 20-year simulation period. The development of stand characteristics (age, basalarea, volume, dominant height, mean height, mean diameter) in those stands not harvested during the simulation period was also scrutinized. The calculations were performed with SIMO simulation and optimization software. In all 245 treewise measured circular plots established in 2007 in the vicinity of the Evo Forest Station, Finland, were used as study material. The results show that the use of tree species stratum data in forest-planning simulations is highly relevant from the viewpoint of both the development of stand characteristics and the timing of logging operations. The relative standard errors stemming from the level of input data varied from 2.1% to 20.6% and from 58% to 84% in stand characteristics and timing of logging operations, respectively. The significance of the stratumwise input data culminated in the functioning of the specieswise growth models at different stages of stand development. The results can be utilized in assessing the suitability of airborne laser scanning-based estimation methodologies in integrating detailed forest inventory with forest planning and operational logging planning.