Abstract

The intricacies of the growth of natural forests are reflected in their models. Because of the uneven-aged mixed species nature, the functions involved are not just age dependent. Consistency among predictions is a desirable feature when dealing with multiple stand attributes. Three empirical models which have been found useful in predicting the growth and structural changes in the case of natural forests are briefly reviewed. The models require long term data base for parameter estimation and validation. Once developed, they are useful in answering many of the questions related to the ecology and management of these forests