Individual-tree diameter growth and mortality models for bottomland mixed-species hardwood stands in the lower Mississippi alluvial valley

Individual-tree diameter growth and mortality models were developed for the bottomland mixed-species hardwood stands in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV). Data came from 5-year remeasurements of continuous forest inventory plots. Six species groups were created according to diameter structure, tree growth, mortality, recruitment and light demand of species. A 5-year basal area increment model and logistic mortality model were calibrated for species groups. Potential predictor variables at tree-level and stand-level were selected based on the available data and their biological significance to tree growth and mortality. The resulting models possess desirable statistical properties and model behaviors, and can be used to update short-term inventory.