SAMSARA2 / CAPSIS4

Samsara2 is an individual-based and spatially explicit simulation model, which simulates forest dynamics (regeneration, growth and mortality) in mixed and uneven-aged mountain forests. The model is currently calibrated for silver fir (Abies alba) and Norway spruce (Picea abies) stands, within the montane elevation belt of the North-western Alps. Annual diameter increment of individual trees depends on their size, on the amount of light intercepted by their crown during the growing season and on individual variability parameters. Light also controls seedlings establishment and growth in 5×5 m cells. Seedlings are recruited as trees when reaching the diameter thresholds of 7.5cm. Mortality depends on trees diameter and a competition index based on basal areas of neighbouring trees.  Samsara2 is implemented on the simulation platform Capsis4 and can be coupled with silviculture algorithm, which enables long term simulation of management scenarios.
CAPSIS is a simulation platform for forestry growth / dynamics model. It is a tool for forest scientists, forest managers and education. It makes it possible to implement models of various types (e.g. stand models, distance-independent or distance-dependent tree models, mixed models,…), to run simulations and then compare different scenarios in a single software. Thanks to its flexible architecture, it is possible to integrate heterogenous models (uneven-aged, several species) with various processes (e.g. growth, competition, mortality, regeneration, dispersion,…) and to run simulations in interactive or script modes. Some models can have very particular properties, e.g. radiative balance, genetics information at the individual level, internal biomechanics or wood quality. SAMSARA is a distance-dependent tree model for several mountain species (e.g. spruce, fir, broadleaves,..).
For further details visit http://capsis.cirad.fr/capsis/home