Above- and Below-ground Growth of Forest Stands: a Carbon Budget Model

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Abstract
The utilization and allocation of carbon by a forest stand are examined through a simple dynamic, mechanistic model which incorporates radiation interception, photosynthesis, respiration, assimilate partitioning, litterfall, root mortality and turnover. Qualitative mathematical analysis of the balance between carbon gains and losses provides an intuitive insight into the determinants of above- and below-ground growth. The patterns of dry matter accumulation produced by the model are compared with observed trends in stand development. Reported differences between biomass distribution on sites of high and low productivity are reproduced by adjusting the coefficients of assimilate partitioning.