Modello alsometrico per le pinete litoranee di Pinus pinea

The «modeling approach» to growth and yield studies is recognized as a valid alternative to overcome drawbacks and constraints of the classical european normal yield table approach currently applied in our country. A general model structure has been designed, pointing out and analyzing why the classical approach fails to meet today's forest management requirements. Developing a simplified version of the general model it's potential value has been appreciated and some important implications, on forest structure and growth dynamics studies, have been evaluated. Throughout the work it is emphasized that, evolving from classical empirical descriptive techniques towards a modern applied science attempting explanations, requires sound knowledge and correct integrated application of a wide range of ideas, methodologies and tools (such as «data base» organization, modeling, statistical analysis, computer based tools) deriving from different basic disciplines. From the specific growth and yield point of view,besides the model developed, main results of the work are: (a) the, competition index developed that quantifies spatial and dimensional relations considering species specific competition sensitivity; (b) representation of spatial distribution of trees is shown to be a fundamental link between basic research on single three growth response and development of applications useful in terms of forest management; (c) the general formal representation proposed for thinning type and intensity.