Point process models for mixed sessile forest stands

Growth modelling of complex stands calls for the use of spatially explicit single-tree models. Such models require spatially explicit tree locations as the initial state to run simulations. Given the cost of such data, virtual forest stands, where tree locations are simulated, are generally used as the initial state. The purpose of this study was to present models for simulating the spatial structure of complex stands. It focused on mixed oak-Scots pine stands of the Orleans forest (France) and on the spatial structure of canopy trees. The spatial structure of the oak-pine stands was modelled with appropriate point process models. The models consisted of a combination of Poisson, Neyman-Scott and Soft core. Simulation of the point process models was based on precise characterisation of the studied stands. Twenty-five 1-ha oak-pine plots were characterised by the Ripley function. The models were then fitted to the identified spatial structure to reproduce univariate and bivariate spatial patterns in each spatial type. This paper provides an approach for general modelling of a spatial structure of a particular mixture and may be enriched by other point process models for other types of mixed stand.