Comparing silvicultural treatments through a forest simulator

Growth models represent important tools for forest researchers and managers, particularly because of their ability in exploring management options and silvicultural alternatives. For example, foresters may wish to compare the long-term effect of two management strategies on both the forest and on future harvests. With a growth model, they can examine the forecasted outcomes of the two strategies and can make their decision objectively. The process of developing a growth model may also offer interesting new insights into stand dynamics.