Oscar García
Instituto Forestal
Santiago, Chile
A tutorial on growth modelling principles and methods. A system-theoretic viewpoint is adopted to establish a proper foundation for growth modelling and unify the various approaches and methods. The strengths and weaknesses of models at various levels of resolution are reviewed. There is a detailed discussion of parameter estimation. Results and experience from applying the concepts and techniques in an extensive growth modelling program in New Zealand are described as an example. Some growth patterns observed during this work are examined, including issues related to self-thinning.