Review of tools for growth forecasting and productivity assessment in forestry in Ireland.

Abstract

A review is undertaken of the forecasting and productivity assessment tools used and approaches adopted in Irish forestry from the latter half of the last century up until today. Descriptions are provided for the methods and the technological or mathematical endeavours utilised alongside the necessities that led to their inception. Forecasting in Ireland has relied heavily on the Forestry Commission yield tables, though a variety of methods have been developed in order to better represent the growing conditions of Irish forests. The challenges of sustainable forest management has led to reappraisals of alternative silvicultural systems, development of which have been hampered by the difficulty in obtaining good quality data.