Use of numerical models for characterising tree and forest growth

The biological complexity of the humid forests of Anglophone West Africa is discussed. Their slow growth rates in terms of diameter/basal area increment emphasizes the difficulty in growth and yield studies and consequently their management. It is difficult to determine age of trees in these forests. This has further implications for growth and yield modelling in these forests that have all age stands. The relevant models in use in this sub region can be classified mainly into two groups; single tree distance independent and whole stand distance independent models. The problems of growth and yield modelling and further implications of models in forestry are also discussed.