A derivation of the generalized Korf growth equation and its application

摘要

Based on the biological hypothesis of tree growth, the generalized Korf growth equation, was derived theoretically. From a standpoint of applications, the equation can be used in two ways associated with the power exponent of p, and two types of growth equations; the Korf-A p>1) and the Korf-B (0<1) were developed and between them, there is the Gompertz equation (p=1) to separate each other. All of the three types of equations are independent. It was concluded that the Korf-A equation could be used to describe the growth of trees, of which inflection point is between 0 and A/e, while the Korf-B equation with the inflection point between A/e and A could be applied to describe the biological population growth. It was found that the Korf-A equation had a better property in describing the growth process of a tree or a stand and its applications to predicting height growth and stand self-thinning showed general good fitness.