Dominant height growth and site index curves for Calabrian pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) in central Cyprus

A dominant height growth model and a site index model were developed for Calabrian pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) in central Cyprus. Data from 64 stem analysis in 32 temporary plots, where Calabrian pine was the only tree species, were used for modeling. The plots were selected randomly in proportion to two site types. Four difference equations were tested. The evaluation criteria included qualitative and quantitative examinations and a testing with split data. The difference equation of Korf showed the best results for all data. An analysis of the height growth patterns among sites - as these were defined from the selected equation - was made in order to study the behavior of different site index curves. Results indicated the validity of a common height growth model for the two sites. In spite of the irregular height growth pattern observed in Calabrian pine, the model obtained allows us to classify and compare correctly Calabrian pine stands growing at different sites.