COMPUTE-MERCHLOB: A Growth and Yield Prediction System with a Merchandising Optimizer for Planted Loblolly Pine in the West Gulf Region

摘要

A growth and yield model with a merchandising optimizer has been developed to model thinned or unthinned loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations in the west gulf region. The model, Compute Merchlob, can be used to forecast product volumes and stand values for stands partitioned into 1-inch d.b.h. classes at any stage of plantation development from ages 10 through 50. The minimum initial variables required to run the program are age, density, site quality, minimum and maximum dimensions of products, and product prices. The merchandising optimizer converts predicted stand tables into an estimated optimum product mix by using a dynamic programming algorithm that maximizes the selling value of the stand.