Model development for evaluating planting-stock production options in Ontario

As a prelude to modeling regeneration in Ontario, the model STOCK was developed to assist forest nurserymen in evaluating their planting-stock production options. STOCK simulates the growth and survival of seedlings from seed-source selection to fully grown planting stock. The effects of various management options and cultural treatments (such as seed source, stock type, fertilization, thinning and pruning) on growth and survival may be simulated in accordance with empirical models or the user's expectations in the form of simple coefficients or improvement factors. The model simulates various stock-production options in accordance with the user's choices then optimizes the results on the basis of a calculated cost-efficiency index (CEI). In effect, CEI combines the total cost and stock production with growth, survival and the quality of the resulting planting stock. The model is written in both the FORTRAN 77 standard and in Apple BASIC.